Overview of the fracture heating cascade

Fracture heating is a dynamic process being governed by a variety of cellular elements and stimulating agents. Our knowledge in understanding the molecular and cellular processes occurring in heating fractures has vastly expanded as a result of the advances made in all aspects of medicine. The ability to manipulate mesenchymal stem cells and to deliver locally growth factors in order to create new bone has led to a proliferation of research papers. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the current level of understanding of the physiological processes regulating the heating of fractures. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.