Abstract
b. Cuthbertson, D. P., Biochem. J., 1930,
b. Swart, H. A., J. Bone and Joint Surg., 1930,
Ultraviolet radiation and the addition of irradiated materials to the ration are powerful aids to the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus. That such radiation and vitamin D (irradiated ergosterol) induce beneficial effects in the healing of bone fractures is supported by some 1 and denied by others. 2
This report deals with the results of a study of 38 experimental fractures of the fibula in 25 dogs, and of 80 fractures in 80 albino rats. An open osteotomy technique similar to that of Lindsay and Howes 3 was used. All the rats were of the same size and age and with like fractures. They were grouped for comparison according to the type and amount of carbon arc radiation received during the healing periods. The fractures in the dogs were paired for comparison only when 2 were proved to be very similar or identical by means of roentgenograms: In the same dog serially (12 cases) and in 2 dogs of similar body build and size (7 cases). Measured amounts of carbon arc radiation were given to the dogs during the healing period of one of each pair of fractures, while the other served as a control in 15 of the 19 pairs (38 fractures).
Roentgenography was the criterion used for following the healing process. In the rats the percentage healed per group after a certain length of time, was ascertained, while in the dogs the total length of the healing process in days was found. During the total healing period allowed the rats (about 10 weeks) 73.9% of the animals irradiated with “A” carbons (having received 550 gm. cal. per sq. cm. with an average distribution of 3.6% ultraviolet, 3.2.2% luminous, and 64.2% infrared). 26.9% of those irradiated with “C” carbons (having received 290 gm. cal. per sq. cm. with an average distribution of 5.0% ultraviolet, 11.5 luminous, and 83.5 infrared), and 41.3% of the controls healed. Omitting 2 very abnormal healing periods in the dog work, the average healing time was 55.7 days, or 3.7 days shorter when the animals were irradiated, than when they were not (59.4 days). Both “A” and “C” carbons (see average distribution above) were used on the dogs. The daily amounts given varied from 5 to 28 gm. cal. per sq. cm. with a mean of 18. The total amount varied with the length of the healing period for they were irradiated until healed.
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