Comparative Analysis of Granulation Tissue Formation and Progression in Elderly Patients with Fractures
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmsi.v4i1.3945Keywords:
Bone Regeneration, Comorbidities, Elderly Patients, Fracture Healing, Granulation Tissue, Inflammatory MarkersAbstract
Fracture healing initiates with an inflammatory phase, followed by granulation tissue formation, which is necessary for angiogenesis and bone regeneration. These processes are complicated by the influence of aging on cytokine and growth factor responses. The study sought to quantify granulation formation between elderly versus younger patients and to explore the effect of comorbidities, fracture location, and intervention type. It was a comparative observational study of 60 elderly patients (≥65 years old) with fractures. Demographic, fracture, comorbidity status, and biomarkers data (CRP, IL-6) were collected from the data. Paired samples t-tests, independent t-tests, and ANOVA were used to statistically evaluate time differences in granulation tissue formation and inflammatory markers. Increased granulation tissue formation was found between Day 7 and Day 30, although this rate fell off between Day 14 and Day 30. Levels of CRP were significantly different, suggesting an altered inflammatory response, and were intermediate between moderate inflammation, seen in elderly patients, and moderate inflammation, consistent with sepsis or septic shock. No significant difference in granulation tissue formation among groups indicated consistent healing and a failure of intervention method or fracture type. Healing is extra delayed in elderly patients as a result of reduced cell activity and immunity associated with age, and diabetes and cardiovascular diseases contribute to slowing down the recovery as well. The development of specific management protocols, CRP and IL-6 levels monitoring to track tissue healing, and vascularization and cellular function-based interventions that promote tissue regeneration. Supplements such as vitamin D plus calcium or anti-inflammatory treatments speed up healing.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Franklin E. Ibadin1, Trevor Efosa Edobor, Excel Onajite Ernest-Okonofua, Ogheneyemarho Great Oyiborhoro
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