Ultrasound monitoring of consolidation processes in fractures of long tubular bones in osteosynthesis using bioactive implants
Objective: to show the capabilities of ultrasound monitoring to assess consolidation processes in fractures of long tubular bones in the use of bioactive material-containing implants. Material and methods. Eighty-two (45.1%) patients whose bone fragments had been fixed with bioactive material-coated plates and 100 (54.9%) patients with bioinert material-coated ones were exa­mined. Consolidation changes were estimated by ultrasound and X-ray studies 2, 4, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Bone metabolic changes were determined by US osteometry 2 months following surgery. Ultrasound data were compared with the biochemical markers: C-terminal telopeptide (CrossLaps) and osteocalcin. Results and conclusions. Ultrasound monitoring of the rates of consolidation and the time course of changes in bone strength versus the biochemical mar­ kers established the posi­tive effect of bioactive pla­tes on the process of con­solidation in fractures of tubular bones and made it possible to consider local osteopenic syndrome to be a prognostically favor­able sign of timely callus formation