New radioisotopic method for evaluation of the healing potential of a fracture

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Abstract
A new radioisotopic method for the evaluation of the healing potential of a fracture is developed. The centromedullary circulation in the bone is visualized under general anaesthesis by pertechnetate [99Tc O4-] injected into the distal metaphysis of the tibia. Patients (22) with an average age of 25 yr had this examination. All had a leg fracture with a worrying evolution. Isotopic osteomedullography showed that the resumption of centromedullary circulation was the best factor for good fracture healing. When the examination is positive, it seems advisable to wait until the focus is healed, even if the clinical and/or radiographic survey are not in accordance, but when there is no resumption of the centromedullary circulation, a pseudoarthrosis may result. As the reliability of this technique is satisfactory, it should be used when doubt remains about fracture healing.

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