According to Perren's interfragmentary strain theory, which tissue forming at a fracture site can tolerate the highest local strain before disruption?
- A Lamellar bone
- B Fibrocartilage
- C Granulation tissue ✓
- D Woven bone
Correct answer: C. Granulation tissue
Explanation
Perren showed that each tissue tolerates a characteristic maximum strain: cortical bone fails at about 2 percent, woven bone around 4 percent, fibrocartilage near 10 percent, while granulation tissue tolerates strain approaching 100 percent. Therefore highly unstable gaps heal initially through granulation tissue and progressively stiffer tissues replace it as interfragmentary strain falls. This explains why very rigid fixation can starve a wide gap of the compliant tissue needed to bridge it.
Reference: Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.