Mechanical effects of intramedullary reaming on osteotomy healing in rats.

The effect of intramedullary reaming on the healing of stable femoral osteotomies was studied. In one group of rats reaming of the medullary cavity was performed, and a partial, transverse osteotomy was made at the mid-shaft. In the control group only the osteotomy was made. At 0, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days following operation the bending moment and the bending rigidity of the osteotomies were evaluated. There were no significant differences in these biomechanical parameters between the two groups during the experimental period. The results indicate that reaming of the medullary cavity of diaphyseal bone does not significantly impair the healing of fractures that are rigidly fixated.