The space environment can severely weaken the bones. Consequently, there is concern that even relatively short periods in space will leave astronauts prone to fractures. Because fractures need motion from weight bearing for normal healing, astronauts may also be at risk for abnormal fracture healing. A non-healing fracture would be serious for the astronaut and could potentially affect the astronaut’s mission or safety.
Dr. Mark Bolander is evaluating fracture healing in a hindlimb elevation model. This technique approximates the weightless environment of space. The experiments have shown that the fracture callus in this model is much smaller than under normal conditions. In the future, Bolander’s project will investigate if ultrasound treatment, an artificial way of inducing mechanical stimulation into the bone, will increase the strength of fracture healing.