Open AccessBone healing: Advances in biology and technology
Author(s) -
Brian Mullis,
Andrew Gudeman,
Joseph Borrelli,
Brett D. Crist,
Mark A. Lee,
Andrew R. Evans
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
ota international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2574-2167
DOI - 10.1097/oi9.0000000000000100
Subject(s) - bone healing , inflammation , bioinformatics , medicine , intensive care medicine , biology , surgery , immunology
Fracture healing is a complex cascade of cellular and molecular processes. These processes require the appropriate cellular and molecular environment to ensure the restoration of skeletal stability and resolution of inflammation. In order for fracture healing to occur, the necessary building blocks for bone metabolism and synthesis must be supplied through proper nutrition. Pharmacologic therapies aimed at modulating the inflammatory response to fractures have the potential to interfere with the synthesis of molecules needed for the production of bone. Infection can interfere with, and even prevent normal fracture healing from occurring. Cellular and genetic treatment strategies are actively being developed to target deficiencies, and bridge gaps that can influence how fractures heal. Evolving technologies, including nutritional supplementation, pharmacotherapies, antibiotics, surgical techniques, as well as genetic and cellular therapies, have the potential to enhance, optimize, and even revolutionize the process of fracture healing.