摘要： Different methods are available to evaluate the degree of bone healing. A good choice involves employing optical techniques with infrared light to evaluate the progress of bone consolidation. Because infrared light is absorbed in liquids and reflected in solids, it is possible to assess bone consolidation progress using an incident light source and a coupled photo sensor. We used a 940-nm light source that is capable of reaching bone to determine the degree of bone consolidation. Five New Zealand White rabbits were used according to the NOM-062-ZOO99 standard. In each animal, a fracture was generated in the left tibia, and the fragments were fixed using an external fixator constructed with Kirschner nails and dental acrylic cement. Progress in bone consolidation was evaluated at days 7, 23, and 34 after surgery. A linear dependence was observed between the days elapsed and the reflection of the infrared light.