The effect chronic lymphedema on fracture regeneration(expermentally researc in rats)

Object: In this study the effect of chronic lymph edema on fractureregeneration was experimentally researched in rats.Method and material: In our study we used 30 rats that weigh 200-250grams. Two subgroups of 15 rats were performed. Three rats have died in eachgroup in the period of the experiment.Group 1 (n=12): the lymph edema group .It was divided into two subgroups.Group 1A (n=6): rats used for biomechanical analysis.Group 1B (n=6): rats used for histo pathologic analysis.Group 2(n=12): the control group. It was divided to two subgroups.Group 2A (n=6): rats used for biomechanical analysis.Group 2B (n=6): rats used for histo pathologic analysisThe protocol of Canter et all which is named as an experimental model forchronic lymph edema was used to perform chronic lymph edema. The femoral veinwas ligatured after dissection of lymph nodes in inguinal region. After surgery theexcised skin sides were leaved 10mm apart to perform chronic lymph edemaTwo weeks after performing lymph edema, fractures were performed in themedial diaphysis of tibia in each group and intra-medullar fixation was used in thesefractures. After 8 weeks all the rats of two groups were sacrificed and tibilar histopathologic and bio-mechanic research was performed.Findings: The stiffness and stress-strain values of callus in chronic lymphedema group was less then the control group in biomechanical analysis (p<0.025). Inthe histo pathologic evaluation the callus has become a scar like tissue shape andosteoblastic and osteoclastic activity was not seen in the group. Also calcification wasnot proper in this group. In the control group trabeculary bone was performedosteoclastic activity was present in the group. Also calcification was proper.Result: In this experimental research we found that the chronic lymph edemaeffects the fracture regeneration negatively. However, the existence of this negativeeffect in people is not known and the mechanism of this effect is not known. Ourfindings must be supported by other experimental and clinical studies.KAYNAKLAR1. Spinal füzyon Prof.Dr. Palaoğlu S, s.11-30.