This study was undertaken to determine if there is an alteration in the healing of experimental fractures during pregnancy. The strength of a healing midfibula fracture at 2 weeks' gestation was studied in the guinea pig. A reproducible fracture, one not requiring internal or external fixation, was utilized. The strength of the fracture callus was determined, with the use of a tensiometer, by measuring the force required to separate the fracture. A lowered callus strength was found in the pregnant animal, with the most significant differences occurring during later pregnancy.
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