[Bone fracture and the healing mechanisms. The mechanical stress for fracture healing in view of distraction osteogenesis].

It is generally accepted that moderate mechanical stress influences the course of fracture healing. A flexible fixation of the fractured site can induce fracture callus formation, whereas an unstable fixation can lead to a nonunion. The relationship between mechanical stress and the process of bone regeneration or healing remains incompletely understood. Distraction osteogenesis is a surgical technique that, using appropriate mechanical tension-stress, does not break the callus but rather it stimulates and maintains osteogenesis. The common principles of distraction osteogenesis are osteotomy and slow progressive distraction by an external fixation device. Interest in bone regeneration associated with mechanical stress might lead to better understanding of the fracture healing process.