Surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy in the assessment of small splints for promoting radial fracture healing in rabbits

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy was used to monitor changes in calcium hydroxyapatite and other biochemical components during the healing of fractures managed with and without small splints. Common factors evaluated using Raman scattering include the amount of calcium hydroxyapatite deposits, carbonate-to-phosphate ratio, and mineral-to-matrix ratio. The rabbits with complete radial bone fracture models were randomly divided into a model control group and a small splint treatment group. At 15, 30, and 45 days after surgery, rabbits were killed, and the bone calluses at the fracture site were extracted for surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy. Compared with normal Raman scattering spectroscopy, higher quality Raman spectra of the bone callus tissues were obtained, which were then analyzed to derive rich biochemical composition information. The results suggest that small splints are effective in accelerating fracture healing considering the sustained deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite, high carbonate-to-phosphate ratio, and mineral-to-matrix ratios as detected by Raman spectroscopy. Therefore, Surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy can be an excellent tool to assess fracture healing.