Abstract
To observe the safety and effectiveness of a topical herbal agent used to promote fracture healing, a herbal patch containing extracts of three herbs, viz., Flos Carthami, Radix Dipsaci, Rhizoma Rhei and Borneolum Syntheticum (an enhancer) was applied on ten subjects with un-displaced fifth metatarsal fractures. Pain scores, foot and ankle function questionnaires and regional swelling were carefully assessed and recorded. Peripheral blood was taken to measure the inflammation cytokines. Assessment checks were performed biweekly to enforce effective patch application and compliance. The results showed that pain improved after two weeks and fracture sites swelling had 20% reduction in thickness when measured with an ultrasonic tool. Foot and ankle functional scores markedly improved after six weeks. Radiological examinations revealed early perfect fracture unions. The topical herbal patch was effective in promoting fracture healing. It was well tolerated by the fracture patients. Larger randomized controlled trials would be indicated.
Highlights
Bone fractures are common injuries and the old practice of bone setting has been popular in all communities before the development of modern traumatology [1]
The fifth metatarsal bone fracture is ideal for such purpose: it is a common complication resulting from foot or ankle sprain [9]
In FAAM, activities of daily living (ADL) improved from 33.3 ± 23.37 to 77.9 ± 21.24 (p < 0.001) and the Sports activities subscale improved from 13.5 ± 13.99 to 48.3 ± 26.80 (p < 0.002)
Summary
Bone fractures are common injuries and the old practice of bone setting has been popular in all communities before the development of modern traumatology [1]. In Hong Kong today, 14.2% registered Chinese medicine practitioners (nearly 1000) are bone setters, who serve the injured people with bone setting techniques They all use topical agents to sooth pain, remove bruises, and reduce swellings related to inflammatory conditions [3]-[5]. Three medicinal herbs in popular use for injury treatment were selected for this pilot study. The three herbs had been shown in the laboratory to be anti-inflammatory, proangiogenic and promoting cellular proliferations These biological effects were all essential for bone and tissue repair [6]-[8]. A pilot clinical study was designed to test the effects of the novel herbal patch on fracture healing. The objective of this study was to observe whether the novel herbal patch could promote better fracture healing, help to alleviate pain and swelling, and facilitate rehabilitation
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