Abstract
The presence of motion at a fracture site brought about by function and/or weight bearing in an injured extremity has been traditionally felt to be detrimental to healing. Surgical as well as nonsurgical methods of treatment have aimed at the elimination of such motion. Above-the-knee as well as above-the-elbow and spica casts have been designed to eliminate that motion and to prevent activity during the healing process. Similarly, internal fixation devices in the form of plates, external fixators, or nails have always been expected to play a similar role. Since functional fracture bracing is predicated on the belief that motion at the fracture site enhances osteogenesis, we will discuss the laboratory and clinical observations that we have made over the years to support our theses.