Abstract
1. The process of repair after fracture of the humerus of the growing rat has been studied by histological, histochemical and biochemical methods.
2. Both periosteal and surrounding mesenchymal cells take part in the process of repair.
3. The primary framework of collagen bridging the gap is mainly formed by the mesenchymal cells, while calcification and ossification of the framework is largely a function of the periosteum.
4. The mucopolysaccharide content rises rapidly in the first week after injury, and is followed by a rise in the collagen content during the second week. The deposition of calcium phosphate during the third and fourth weeks causes an apparent fall in the collagen content during that period. The collagen content tends to return to normal during the phase of remodelling in the fifth and sixth weeks.
5. The tensile strength of the healing bone bears a close relation to its collagen content.
