Relationship Between Strain and Healing Process for the Use of External Fixator: A Short Review

Mechanical environment at the fracture site is critical as it affects the fracture healing process. Meanwhile, the external fixation method which is a definitive option for open reduction, helps to stabilize the fractured area, provide a favorable mechanical environment and eventually promote the repair process of human tissue. The strain, especially, is an important parameter that influences the mechanical environment during the process. It helps to stimulate the formation of cartilage which will calcify and eventually forming the bone. Strain can be assessed locally within the bone. The strain induced through the application of external fixation will promote a favorable environment for the fracture repair to take place. This review aims in studying and exploring on the role of strain and its relationship with external fixator in supporting the bone healing process. It discusses on the healing process in general, the effects of strain as the mechanical stimuli in fracture repair as well as the effectiveness of external fixation in providing sufficient interfragmentary strain. At the end of this review, it can be concluded that external fixation method are capable in providing adequate amount of interfragmentary strain and thus, it helps in the process of bone healing.