The authors investigated the influence of a protein diet on fracture healing in 40 Lewis rats divided into four groups of ten. During 6 weeks, Groups 1, 2 and 3 were fed diets containing, respectively, 0.19% and 36% protein. Group 4 was fed a proteinless diet during the first two weeks and a 36%-protein diet during the next 4 weeks. At two weeks, fractures were performed in the left tibias; all animals were killed 4 weeks later so that the bone calluses could be investigated. Clinical, biochemical, radiographic, densitometry and histomorphometry measurements were performed to evaluate the findings. The conclusion was that the hyperprotein diet altered bone healing by producing a larger, more resistant callus, although it did not change quality as regards calcium levels and the percentage amount of bone tissue.
Rats; Protein malnutrition; Protein in diet; Protein in diet; Fracture healing; Bone callus
