Effects of intramedullary reaming and nailing on blood flow in rat femora

Abstract

The right femur in 40 rats was reamed, and in 40 others it was additionally nailed. Analysis of bone blood flow was performed by the distribution of radiolabeled microspheres at different postoperative time intervals. Blood-flow measurements were accompanied by analyses of hydroxyproline and calcium contents. Immediately after reaming, the blood flow of the diaphyseal part of the femur was reduced to approximately one third of that of the intact femur, whereas the contents of hydroxyproline and calcium were reduced by 10 percent. Within 1 week, the blood flow was normal. This study provides evidence that the presence of a nail does not interfere with the restoration of bone blood flow. Restoration of blood flow in bone apparently is a rapid process. The replacement of hydroxyproline and calcium contents seemed to be linked to flow, as no increase in these constituents were found until the blood flow had approximated the level of the intact femur.