APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF LONG BONE FRACTURES

摘要

An apparatus and method for treating a long bone fracture in the limb (13) of an animal wherein non-invasive means are provided for intermittently inducing a shortening in the axial length of the skeletal musculature surrounding the long bone (11), whereby a compressive force may be intermittently applied to the fractured bone (14). Suitably a radial inward force is applied substantially fully around the circumference to the limb, by an inflatable cuff or sleeve (15) in one form of the invention, that is transmitted to the surrounding muscles. In another form, electrical signals cause active contraction of the musculature. The treatment may include the application of about 55 to 65 compressions each day for at least 10 days, and commencing within about 7 days of the fracture being sustained. The compressions, applied with a frequency in the range of 0.05 Hz to 2 Hz, are desirably just short of that which produces fracture site pain and the intensity of the compressions may be increased between treatment sessions, consistent with healing.