Assessing the state of union in a bone fracture

摘要

The state of union of a fractured limb bone to which an external fixator 2 has been applied is determined by undergoing a specific load test, measuring the load carried by the fixator and the total load carried by the limb during the test, and determining a measure representing a comparison between the two measured loads. The test is preferably a dynamic one and may include a forceplate 4 incorporated in a treadmill assembly 3 to stimulate muscle activity in the limb during the test. This provides an early indication as to whether or not bone healing has started, and thus can be used to provide an advance warning in cases of delayed osseous union.