The influence of zinc on bone healing in rats.

The importance and necessity of the trace element zinc for tissue restitution after injuries has been known for a long time. The influence of zinc on the healing of tibial fractures in rats is studied by daily administration of 0.6 mg zinc-dl-aspartate compared to a non-treated control group. There is a significant decrease of bone-zinc concentration after fracture. This decrease can be balanced out by zinc administration. There are no significant alterations in serum levels of zinc in both groups. Fracture healing is not affected. Zinc accumulates in bones.