Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society
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Major loss of tissue is an almost invariable consequence of severe closed soft-tissue injury. Clinically, the extent of soft-tissue trauma determines the outcome of complex injuries and significantly influences bone healing. With use of a new animal model, this study quantitatively analyzed microcirculation, i.e., nutritive perfusion and leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction, in skeletal muscle after standardized closed soft-tissue injury. ⋯ These results demonstrate that initial changes, leading to ultimate tissue death, after closed soft-tissue injury are caused on the microcirculatory level. This standardized model provides further insight into microvascular pathophysiology and cellular interactions following closed soft-tissue injury. Thus, it is an adequate tool for testing novel therapeutic interventions.