Improved bone biomechanical properties in xylitol-fed aged rats

Our previous studies have shown that dietary xylitol protects against weakening of bone biomechanical properties in experimental postmenopausal osteoporosis. To study whether xylitol preserves bone biomechanics also during aging, a long-term experimental study was performed with rats. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups. The rats in the control group (NON-XYL group) were fed a basal rat and mouse no. 1 maintenance (RM1) diet, while the rats in the experimental group (XYL group) were continuously fed the same diet supplemented with 10% xylitol (wt/wt). The rats were killed after 20 months. Their femurs were prepared for biomechanical analyses and scanning analyses with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). In 3-point bending of the femoral diaphysis, maximum load, maximum elastic load, stiffness, energy absorption, elastic energy absorption, ultimate stress, and yield stress were significantly greater in the XYL group than in the NON-XYL group. This indicates a xylitol-induced improvement of both structural and material strength properties of cortical bone. Accordingly, the maximum load of femoral neck was significantly greater in the XYL group. In the pQCT analysis of femoral diaphysis, cortical bone area, cortical thickness (CtTh) periosteal circumference, and cross-sectional moment of inertia were greater in the XYL group. The endosteal circumference was smaller in the XYL group. In the pQCT analysis of the femoral neck cortical area of the midneck was significantly greater in the XYL group. This data indicates that xylitol exerted beneficial effects on the cross-sectional architecture of the bones. In conclusion, continuous moderate dietary xylitol supplementation leads to improved bone biomechanical properties in aged rats concerning both bone structural and material strength properties.

Linking structural variability in long bone diaphyses to habitual behaviors: foragers from the southern African Later Stone Age and the Andaman Islands

The cross-sectional distribution of cortical bone in long bone diaphyses is highly responsive to mechanical loading during life, yet the relationship between systemic and localized influences on skeletal structure remains unclear. This study investigates postcranial robustness throughout the body among adults from two groups of foragers with different patterns and modes of mobility, to determine whether there is evidence for upper vs. lower body localization of skeletal robustness. The samples used for this comparison are from the southern African Later Stone Age (LSA; n = 65, male = 33, female = 28) dating from ca. 10,000 to 2,000 B.P., and 19th century indigenous Andaman Islanders (AI; n = 36, male = 17, female = 16). The LSA were highly mobile foragers who did not exploit offshore marine resources. In contrast, the AI had tightly constrained terrestrial, but significant marine, mobility. Geometric properties of cortical bone distribution in the diaphyses of the clavicle, humerus, femur, tibia, and first metatarsal are compared between the samples, providing a representation of skeletal robustness throughout the body. Multivariate ANOVA shows the AI to have significantly stronger clavicles and humeri, while the LSA femora, tibiae, and first metatarsals are stronger than those of the AI. These patterns, in which upper and lower limbs show biomechanical properties that are consistent with habitual behaviors, suggest localized osteogenic response. Although postcranial robustness appears to be correlated with overall limb function, the results suggest that more proximal elements within the limb may be more responsive to mechanical loading.

Low-intensity ultrasound stimulates endochondral ossification in vitro

Animal and clinical studies have shown an acceleration of bone healing by the application of low-intensity ultrasound. The objective of this study was to examine in vitro the influence of low-intensity ultrasound on endochondral ossification of 17-day-old fetal mouse metatarsal rudiments. Forty-six triplets of paired metatarsal rudiments were resected 'en block' and cultured for 7 days with and without low-intensity ultrasound stimulation (30 mw/cm2). At days 1, 3, 5, and 7, the total length of the metatarsal rudiments, as well as the length of the calcified diaphysis were measured. Histology of the tissue was performed to examine its vitality. The increase in length of the calcified diaphysis during 7 days of culture was significantly higher in the ultrasound-treated rudiments compared to the untreated controls (P = 0.006). The growth of the control diaphysis was 180 +/- 30 microm (mean +/- SEM), while the growth of the ultrasound-treated diaphysis was 530 +/- 120 microm. The total length of the metatarsal rudiments was not affected by ultrasound treatment. Histology revealed a healthy condition of both ultrasound-treated and control rudiments. In conclusion, low-intensity ultrasound treatment stimulated endochondral ossification of fetal mouse metatarsal rudiments. This might be due to stimulation of activity and/or differentiation of osteoblasts and hypertrophic chondrocytes. Our results support the hypothesis that low-intensity ultrasound activates ossification via a direct effect on osteoblasts and ossifying cartilage.

[The bone regeneration process under chymotrypsin exposure (an experimental study)]

Disturbance of femur diaphysis compact substance was induced experimentally in rabbits. In the course of the operation single administration of crystalline chimotripsin into the wound was performed and its influence on bony structures regeneration was studied. Methods of light and scanning electron microscopy revealed that reparative processes started earlier and were more active than that in control. This promotes regenerate formation and complete healing of bone defect. Intramuscular administration of proteolytic enzyme does not exert essential influence on bone regeneration.

Primary resective shortening followed by distraction osteogenesis for limb reconstruction: a comparison with simple lengthening

Resective distraction osteogenesis is a new approach to treat segmental diaphyseal bone defects by primary limb shortening and secondary distraction osteogenesis from the same site. A rabbit model was introduced to compare the bone-regeneration characteristics of this technique with those of simple lengthening procedures. Twenty-four skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits were divided into two equal groups. In the test group, limbs were lengthened after a 10-mm segmental diaphyseal bone resection and limb shortening. In the control group, a simple subperiosteal osteotomy for limb lengthening was performed without resection. New bone formation was evaluated mechanically, radiologically, histomorphometrically, and densitometrically. Bone bridging occurred in all animals. Normalized mechanical values for the newly reconstructed tibiae demonstrated similar torsional stiffness (71+/-3.3 compared with 71+/-8.2%; p = 0.95) and strength (64+/-5.3 compared with 68+/-7.3%; p = 0.66) in the two groups. The average normalized callus diameter was significantly greater in the test group than in the control group (p < 0.01). The remodeling index calculated from densitometry, however, showed a significantly less progressed stage of remodeling in the test group (p < 0.05). Histomorphometric analysis of the callus center supported this finding, showing significantly lower values for trabecular thickness (p < 0.05) and total bone volume (p < 0.01) in the test group. The results demonstrated the possibility of new bone formation after resection and monofocal shortening. This suggests a new therapeutic option to treat diaphyseal segmental bone defects.

High-impact exercise and growing bone: relation between high strain rates and enhanced bone formation

We investigated whether high-impact drop jumps could increase bone formation in the middiaphyseal tarsometatarsus of growing rooster. Roosters were designated as sedentary controls (n = 10) or jumpers (n = 10). Jumpers performed 200 drop jumps per day for 3 wk. The mechanical milieu of the tarsometatarsus was quantified via in vivo strain gauges. Indexes of bone formation and mechanical parameters were determined in each of twelve 30 degrees sectors subdividing the middiaphyseal cortex. Compared with baseline walking, drop jumping produced large peak strain rates (+740%) in the presence of moderately increased peak strain magnitudes (+30%) and unaltered strain distributions. Bone formation rates were significantly increased by jump training at periosteal (+40%) and endocortical surfaces (+370%). Strain rate was significantly correlated with the specific sites of increased formation rates at endocortical but not at periosteal surfaces. Previously, treadmill running did not enhance bone growth in this model. Comparing the mechanical milieus produced by running and drop jumps revealed that jumping significantly elevated only peak strain rates. This further emphasized the sensitivity of immature bone to high strain rates.

Stiffness--an unknown world of mechanical science?

"Stiffness" is a term used to describe the force needed to achieve a certain deformation of a structure. In the biomechanical world, several different definitions of stiffness are used, but not all of them are explained adequately to those readers who are less familiar with biomechanical terminology. This paper gives examples for specific definitions which are based on the basic definition of stiffness of a loaded structure

Theoretical solutions for internal bone remodeling of diaphyseal shafts using adaptive elasticity theory

In this paper we considered the problem of internal bone remodeling induced by casting a broken femur. It is shown that, after the removal of the plastercast, the healing bone is either becoming more porous and less stiff or it is osteoporotic. The result is theoretical, based on a theory of internal bone remodeling proposed by Hegedus and Cowin (Journal of Elasticity 6, 1976, 337-352).

Does the mechanical milieu associated with high-speed running lead to adaptive changes in diaphyseal growing bone?

Exercise during growth can be important for attaining optimal bone mass. High-intensity long-duration protocols, however, can have detrimental effects on immature bone morphology and mechanics. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we quantified the mechanical environment of the middiaphyseal rooster tarsometatarsus during high-speed running and examined whether short bouts of this exercise-related mechanical milieu can induce positive changes in cortical bone morphology, mechanics, and mineral ash content. At 9 weeks of age, roosters were assigned to controls (n = 9) and runners (n = 8). Treadmill running was applied in loading sessions of 5 min, three times per day (approximately 2600 cycles/day) for 8 weeks. Both controls and runners received double-fluorochrome labels during weeks 3 and 8 of the protocol. Middiaphyseal distributions of tarsometatarsal longitudinal normal strain, strain rate, and strain gradients engendered by walking and running were determined via in vivo strain gauges. Compared with walking, running elevated mean peak strain magnitude by 19%, peak strain rates by 136%, and peak strain gradients by approximately 18%. After 8 weeks of running, middiaphyseal areal and mechanical properties and normalized ash weight were no different between runners and controls. Transient and focal reductions in periosteal mineral apposition rates occurred during the exercise protocol. Our current data suggest that reducing the number of loading cycles can mitigate the adverse response previously observed in this model with long-duration running. This study also supports the tenet that the exercise-generated mechanical milieu must differ substantially from the habitual milieu to induce significant adaptations.

Body size, body shape, and long bone strength in modern humans

To identify behaviorally significant differences in bone structure it is first necessary to control for the effects of body size and body shape. Here the scaling of cross-sectional geometric properties of long bone diaphyses with different "size" measures (bone length, body mass, and the product of bone length and body mass) are compared in two modern human populations with very different body proportions: Pecos Pueblo Amerindians and East Africans. All five major long bones (excluding the fibula) were examined. Mechanical predictions are that cortical area (axial strength) should scale with body mass, while section modulus (bending/torsional strength) should scale with the product of body mass and moment arm length. These predictions are borne out for section moduli, when moment arm length is taken to be proportional to bone length, except in the proximal femoral diaphysis, where moment arm length is proportional to mediolateral body breadth (as would be expected given the predominance of M-L bending loads in this region). Mechanical scaling of long bone bending/torsional strength is similar in the upper and lower limbs despite the fact that the upper limb is not weight-bearing. Results for cortical area are more variable, possibly due to a less direct dependence on mechanical factors. Use of unadjusted bone length alone as a "size" measure produces misleading results when body shape varies significantly, as is the case between many modern and fossil hominid samples. In such cases a correction factor for body shape should be incorporated into any "size" standardization.

[Mineral density of the femoral diaphysis after hip prosthesis implantation]

The aseptic instability of endoprostheses, which occurs after their good operation, is a severe complication. All developed countries study this problem from different points of view. This paper presents the data of up to 5-year follow-ups of the mineral saturation of the microstructures of the hip bone diaphysis during endoprosthesis. The paper has been the only to be performed by latest techniques in the former Soviet Union. It is of great interest for researchers who are engaged in searching materials for endoprostheses, for their designers. It is also useful for surgeons in solving the problems how to raise patients after surgery and in giving further recommendations.

Parathyroid hormone and mechanical usage have a synergistic effect in rat tibial diaphyseal cortical bone

Previous reports showed that bone mass and architecture only partially recovered by remobilization (RM) after immobilization (IM)-induced osteopenia, and that parathyroid hormone (PTH) had an anabolic effect on the skeleton. The aim of this study was to determine whether low doses of PTH could restore IM-induced cortical bone loss and whether a combination of PTH plus loading (RM) treatment would be more effective than the PTH in unloaded (IM) limbs. One hundred and sixty 6-month-old rats were divided into aging and IM groups. The right hindlimb of the rat was immobilized by elastic bandage for 18 weeks, and then groups of rats were either kept IM or RM and treated with 30 microgram or 80 microgram of hPTH(1-38)/kg/day for 2, 10, and 20 weeks. Fluorescent-labeled, undecalcified cross-sections of right tibial shafts were studied. We found that RM for 20 weeks after 18 weeks of IM only partially recovered IM-induced muscle weight loss and PTH had no effect on muscle weight in either IM or RM limbs; that RM for 20 weeks after 18 weeks of IM partially restored some minimal cortical width by stimulating periosteal and endocortical bone formation and decreasing endocortical resorption; that PTH treatment of IM limbs completely restored IM-induced cortical bone loss and added extra bone by stimulating bone formation indices on all bone surfaces and depressing bone resorption on endocortical surface; that PTH treatment of RM limbs produced similar anabolic effects as in IM limbs with 30 microgram/kg/day dose but the 80 microgram/kg/day dose-treated limbs had a higher periosteal bone formation rate, which created a larger cross-sectional area, more cortical bone area, and a thicker cortex than the same dose treated IM limbs; and that PTH 80 microgram/kg/day treatment produced more anabolic effect than the 30 microgram/kg/day in both IM and RM limbs. We concluded that reloading the hindlimb by RM after long-term IM could not recover the cortical bone mass. PTH at employed doses was able to completely restore IM-induced cortical bone loss, and this effect was independent of mechanical stimulation. However, when PTH was combined with mechanical loading (RM), a synergistic anabolic effect on periosteal bone formation occurred which increased the cross sectional area that can increase bone strength.

Microstructure and micromechanical properties of the mid-diaphyses of human fetal femurs

The microstructure, composition and the micromechanical properties across the thickness of femoral mid-diaphyses from 14 to 26 week human fetuses have been investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed to examine structural changes with maturation. The fetal bones consist of layers of woven bone. From young to old fetuses and from outer to inner bone layers, the collagen fibrils become more cross-linked, densely packed and change from disordered to an ordered arrangement. The collagen fibril bundles are also more preferentially oriented and change from a chiefly circumferential to longitudinal direction. The sizes of the apatite crystals also increase with age. The Ca/P ratio remains constant around 1.55 for all the bone layers except the outmost layer which is lower than 1.2. An nano-indenter was used to evaluate the microhardness and elastic modulus of each bone layer. The increase of microhardness and elastic modulus correlates with the maturation of bone. The mechanical properties of the mid-diaphyses of human fetal femurs are anisotropic, which is due to the preferential orientation of collagen fibrils.

In vitro pullout strength of screws inserted in adult equine third metacarpal bone after overdrilling a 4.5-mm threaded insertion hole

OBJECTIVE

To determine and compare the in vitro pullout strength of 5.5-mm cortical versus 6.5-mm cancellous bone screws inserted in the diaphysis and metaphysis of adult equine third metacarpal (MCIII) bones, in threaded 4.5-mm cortical bone screw insertion holes that were then overdrilled with a 4.5-mm drill bit to provide information relevant to the selection of a replacement screw if a 4.5-mm cortical screw is stripped.

STUDY DESIGN

In vitro pullout tests of 5.5-mm cortical and 6.5-mm cancellous screws in equine MCIII bones.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Two independent cadaver studies each consisting of 14 adult equine MCIII bones.

METHODS

Two 4.5-mm cortical screws were placed either in the middiaphysis (study 1) or distal metaphysis (study 2) of MCIII bones. The holes were then overdrilled with a 4.5-mm drill bit and had either a 5.5-mm cortical or a 6.5-mm cancellous screw inserted; screw pullout tests were performed at a rate of 0.04 mm/second until screw or bone failure occurred.

RESULTS

In diaphyseal bone, the screws failed in all tests. Tensile breaking strength for 5.5-mm cortical screws (997.5 +/- 49.3 kg) and 6.5-mm cancellous screws (931.6 +/- 19.5 kg) was not significantly different. In metaphyseal bone, the bone failed in all tests. The holding power for 6.5-mm cancellous screws (39.1 +/- 4.9 kg/mm) was significantly greater than 5.5-mm cortical screws (23.5 +/- 3.5 kg/mm) in the metaphysis. There was no difference in the tensile breaking strength of screws in the diaphysis between proximal and distal screw holes; however, the holding power was significantly greater in the distal, compared with the proximal, metaphyseal holes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although tensile breaking strength was not different between 5.5-mm cortical and 6.5-mm cancellous screws in middiaphyseal cortical bone, holding power of 6.5-mm cancellous screws was greater than 5.5-mm cortical screws in metaphyseal bone of adult horses.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

If a 4.5-mm cortical bone screw strips in MCIII diaphyseal bone of adult horses, either a 5.5-mm cortical or 6.5-mm cancellous screw, however, would have equivalent pullout strengths. A 6.5-mm cancellous screw, however, would provide greater holding power than a 5.5-mm cortical screw in metaphyseal bone.

Re-growth of a phalanx following removal for infection in a child

We report the re-growth of a distal phalanx of an index finger in a child following removal of the distal phalangeal diaphysis for infection.

Medullary bone and humeral breaking strength in laying hens

To test the hypothesis that large amounts of medullary bone in the humeral diaphysis may increase breaking strength, various parameters of bone quality and quantity were examined in two large flocks of hens near end of lay. We conclude that the amount of medullary bone in the humerus of hens during the laying period influences bone strength. This medullary bone may not have any intrinsic strength, but may act by contributing to the fracture resistance of the surrounding cortical bone. Using a quantitative, low dose, radiographic technique, we can predict, from early in the laying period, those birds which will develop large amounts of medullary bone in their humeri by the end of the laying period. The formation of medullary bone in the humeral diaphysis is not at the expense of the surrounding radiographed cortical bone.

Strain gradients correlate with sites of exercise-induced bone-forming surfaces in the adult skeleton

Physical activity is capable of increasing adult bone mass. The specific osteogenic component of the mechanical stimulus is, however, unknown. Using an exogenous loading model, it was recently reported that circumferential gradients of longitudinal normal strain are strongly associated with the specific sites of periosteal bone formation. Here, we used high-speed running to test this proposed relation in an exercise model of bone adaptation. The strain environment generated during running in a mid-diaphyseal tarsometatarsal section was determined from triple-rosette strain gages in six adult roosters (>1 year). A second group of roosters was run at a high speed (1500 loading cycles/day) on a treadmill for 3 weeks. Periosteal surfaces were activated in five out of eight animals. Mechanical parameters as well as periosteal activation (as measured by incorporated fluorescent labels) were quantified site-specifically in 12 30 degrees sectors subdividing a mid-diaphyseal section. The amount of periosteal mineralizing surface per sector correlated strongly (R2 = 0.63) with the induced peak circumferential strain gradients. Conversely, peak strain magnitude and peak strain rate were only weakly associated with the sites of periosteal activation. The unique feature of this study is that a specific mechanical stimulus (peak circumferential strain gradients) was successfully correlated with specific sites of periosteal bone activation induced in a noninvasive bone adaptation model. The knowledge of this mechanical parameter may help to design exercise regimens that are able to deposit bone at sites where increased structural strength is most needed.

Effect of cisplatin chemotherapy on extracortical tissue formation in canine diaphyseal segmental replacement

The reconstruction of large bone and joint defects after the resection of malignant tumors remains a major challenge. Chemotherapy has significantly lowered the risk of metastasic disease, but complications associated with reconstructive techniques continue to result in late morbidity. In the present study, biomechanical torsion testing, gait analysis, and histomorphometric and scanning electron microscopic evaluations of 24 dogs were used to examine the effects of preoperative and postoperative administration of cisplatin on the biologic fixation of a porous-coated segmental replacement prosthesis. The chemotherapy consisted of four cycles of cisplatin administered at a dosage of 75 mg/m2 preoperatively or postoperatively. The healing was enhanced by use of an autogenous corticocancellous bone graft. The graft was placed evenly around the prosthesis and the adjacent femoral cortex. Mechanical analyses of torsional stiffness, yield strength, and maximum strength revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups at 12 weeks. Such lack of difference was mainly due to the penetration of highly organized fibrous tissue into the porous surface; this provided strong fixation of the implant to bone even in the absence of bone ingrowth. Although bone ingrowth into the prostheses was not affected, electron microscopic, histomorphometric, and radiologic analyses showed a clear difference in the formation of new bone around the prosthesis. Preoperative chemotherapy did not alter the formation of new bone, but specimens from animals treated postoperatively with cisplatin showed significantly less bone graft resorption and less new bone formation. Hence, the effect of cisplatin administration caused only a temporary delay, not a permanent effect, on extracortical capsule formation. The formation of extracortical bone and soft tissue might prevent debris-incised osteolysis and, therefore, prevent late complications by forming a tight capsule around the bone-prosthetic interface.

The distribution of material properties in the equine third metacarpal bone serves to enhance sagittal bending

The distribution of material properties within the equine third metacarpal bone (MC3), and its possible effect on the mechanics of the structure, was quantitatively evaluated using single-load-to-failure compressive materials testing of specimens from ten horses. Bone samples from six regions within five proximodistal levels of MC3 were milled into right cylinders and compressed at a strain rate of 0.01 s-1. Diaphyseal MC3 bone material was stiffer, stronger, deformed less to yield and failure, and absorbed more energy to yield, than metaphyseal cortical bone material. Lateral and medial MC3 cortical bone material was stiffer and deformed less to yield and failure, than dorsal and palmar material. This distribution of material properties appears to increase the structural compliance in the sagittal plane, and may serve to enhance the predictability of the strain distribution during normal locomotion, as is provided in other bones by a sagittal curvature.

Changes in biological activity of bone cells in ovariectomized rats revealed by in situ hybridization

Twelve-week-old female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and compared with sham-operated control rats at 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 30, and 60 days postoperation with respect to the expression of type I collagen and osteopontin mRNAs, as well as bone structure and the number of osteoclasts. The trabecular number and separation were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in the metaphyseal trabecular bones of OVX rat femurs. The number of osteoclasts was significantly increased in the same region of OVX rats at 3 and 5 days postoperation. Type I collagen mRNA was expressed in osteoblasts, and osteopontin mRNA was expressed in some osteoclasts, in mononuclear cells on the bone resorption surface, and in osteocytes near the resorption surface. In the metaphyseal trabecular bone, type I collagen and osteopontin mRNA expression levels in individual cells was initially increased in OVX rats from 7 to 10 days postoperation, and this was sustained for 60 days. The number of osteopontin mRNA-expressing osteocytes was also significantly increased at 10 days postoperation, which lasted until 60 days. In the epiphysis, an increase in type I collagen mRNA expression was initially observed in OVX rats at 14 days postoperation, which lasted until 60 days. The number of osteopontin mRNA-expressing osteocytes was virtually identical until 30 days postoperation in the epiphysis. These findings indicated that the biological activities of osteoblasts and osteocytes are stimulated in bones of the OVX rat and that the response for OVX differs between the metaphysis and epiphysis. Furthermore, the number of osteopontin mRNA-expressing osteocytes was increased only in bones that tended to be resorbed after OVX. This indicates that some osteocytes were stimulated to express osteopontin mRNA by estrogen deficiency and suggests that these osteopontin mRNA-expressing osteocytes may be involved in regulation of bone metabolism.

Dynamic bone remodeling in later Pleistocene fossil hominids

Histomorphometric analysis of femoral and tibial diaphyseal fragments from seven Late Archaic and three Early Modern humans are compared with those of the Pecos, a pre-Columbian Native American population. The ten samples, from Broken Hill (EM-793), Shanidar 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, Tabun 1, and Skhul 3, 6, and 7, provide age-at death results consistent with earlier estimates for most individuals. The Pleistocene groups exhibit less bone turnover and smaller osteons than Recent populations. Resorption and formation were both coupled and balanced in these Pleistocene populations, but the overall vigor of individual cells from both the osteoclast and osteoblast cell lines was less than in Recent populations. Thus the greater bone mass in Later Pleistocene members of the genus Homo is not the result of higher levels of bone turnover, at least among adults.

Evidence of strain-mode-related cortical adaptation in the diaphysis of the horse radius

The relative importance that certain strain features, including mode (e.g., tension vs. compression) and magnitude, have in affecting adaptive bone remodeling seen in normal skeletally mature bones remains controversial. The equine radius is used as a model because in vivo strain data show that the mid-to-proximal diaphysis receives a consistent history of predominantly cranial-caudal bending loads, in contrast to the distal diaphysis which receives relatively more torsional loading superimposed on cranial-caudal bending. Medial and lateral cortices serve as control regions because they correspond to a neutral axis of bending. Equine radii were sectioned transversely at 65% (proximal), 50%, and 35% (distal) of length and cortical bone from the cranial ("tension"), caudal ("compression"), medial, and lateral regions was examined to determine if one, of many, structural and material features could be distinguished as being consistently related to the distribution of the prevailing strain modes. Mineral content (percent ash) differences, though statistically significant (p < 0.01), vary less than 1% between regions of the cortex at all sections. Porosity is not significantly different between any of the regions (p = 0.13). In the 65% and 50% sections, secondary osteon population density (OPD, osteons per square millimeter) and fractional area of secondary bone (FASB) are each nearly two times as great in the caudal regions than in the other three regions (p < 0.01). The 35% section shows a pattern opposite of that in the other sections--there are more than two times as many osteons in the cranial cortex than in the caudal cortex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The skeletal effects of spaceflight in growing rats: tissue-specific alterations in mRNA levels for TGF-beta

Dynamic weight bearing is important for normal growth and maintenance of the skeleton in humans and laboratory animals. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been implicated as having autocrine and paracrine actions in bone. The purpose of this study was to examine mRNA levels of TGF-beta in skeletal tissues of growing male rats following skeletal unweighting during an 11-day spaceflight. Animals were sacrificed 5-8 h after the skeleton was reloaded. Spaceflight resulted in decreases in cortical bone area and periosteal bone formation, but no change in medullary area and endocortical bone formation. In addition, spaceflight had no effect on longitudinal bone growth. TGF-beta was reduced relative to the ground controls in the hindlimb periosteum, but was not significantly altered in the growth zone of the tibial metaphysis. Similarly, mRNA levels for type I collagen were reduced in the periosteum, but not in the metaphysis of flight animals. The results suggest a potential role of TGF-beta as an intermediate in the signal transduction pathway for mechanical loading. Further, they indicate skeletal tissue compartment-dependent changes in mRNA levels for TGF-beta following weightlessness.

Diaphyseal structural properties of equine long bones

We evaluated the single-cycle structural properties for axial compression, torsion, and 4-point bending with a central load applied to the caudal or lateral surface of a diaphyseal segment from the normal adult equine humerus, radius, third metacarpal bone, femur, tibia, and third metatarsal bone. Stiffness values were determined from load-deformation curves for each bone and test mode. Compressive stiffness ranged from a low of 2,690 N/mm for the humerus to a high of 5,670 N/mm for the femur. Torsional stiffness ranged from 558 N.m/rad for the third metacarpal bone to 2,080 N.m/rad for the femur. Nondestructive 4-point bending stiffness ranged from 3,540 N.m/rad for the radius to 11,500 N.m/rad for the third metatarsal bone. For the humerus, radius, and tibia, there was no significant difference in stiffness between having the central load applied to the caudal or lateral surface. For the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones, stiffness was significantly (P < 0.05) greater with the central load applied to the lateral surface than the palmar or plantar surface. For the femur, bones were significantly (P < 0.05) stiffer with the central load applied to the caudal surface than the lateral surface. Four-point bending to failure load-deformation curves had a bilinear pattern in some instances, consisting of a linear region at lower bending moments that corresponded to stiffness values from the nondestructive tests and a second linear region at higher bending moments that had greater stiffness values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Contribution of collagen and mineral to the elastic anisotropy of bone

It has long been thought that collagen fibers within the bone matrix are deposited in an aligned pattern that channels mineral growth. If this model of bone structure is correct, both organic and inorganic phases of bone should have similar elastic anisotropy. Using an acoustic microscope, we measured longitudinal and transverse acoustic velocities of cortical specimens taken from 10 dog femurs before and after removal of either the mineral (using 10% EDTA) or collagen phases (using 7% sodium hypochlorite) and calculated longitudinal (CL) and transverse (CT) elastic coefficients. The anisotropy ratio (CL/CT) decreased significantly after demineralization (1.61 before versus 1.06 after, P < 0.0001, paired t-test). However, there was no significant change after decollagenization (1.51 before versus 1.48 after, P = 0.617, paired t-test). We conclude that the orientation of mineral crystals is the primary determinant of bone anisotropy, and the collagen matrix within osteonal bone has little directional orientation.

Mechanical properties of long bones in dogs

Basic research in canine mechanics must be performed to better understand the forces and moments the appendicular skeleton must withstand. This type of research may allow surgeons to make substantial advances in total joint replacement and fracture fixation design and may enhance our understanding of bone remodeling and fracture occurrence in relation to exercise and trauma. In our study, craniocaudal bending stiffness, mediolateral bending stiffness, axial compressive stiffness, and torsional stiffness of the humerus, femur, radius, and tibia of dogs was determined, using nondestructive bending, compression, and torsional tests. Entire diaphyseal and middiaphyseal properties of these long bones were evaluated. Bones also were tested to failure in torsion to quantify the failure properties of these long bones. Left to right variability was examined to validate the use of contralateral limbs as the control condition for experimental studies. There were no significant right to left differences in entire diaphyseal mechanical properties for any of the long bones, except for compressive stiffness of femurs. Homotypic differences in entire diaphyseal mechanical properties, if present, ranged from 8.0 to 35% for the 4 long bones (power = 0.8). For middiaphyseal mechanical properties, there were no significant right to left differences in the 4 long bones, except for craniocaudal bending stiffness of tibias. The homotypic differences in middiaphyseal mechanical properties, if present, ranged from 7.2 to 62% for the 4 long bones (power = 0.8). In all bones and loading modes, middiaphyseal stiffness was greater than entire diaphyseal stiffness (P < 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)