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Blázquez-Carmona P, Mora-Macías J, Morgaz J, Granados MDM, Domínguez J, Reina-Romo E. Gait analysis: An effective tool to mechanically monitor the bone regeneration of critical-sized defects in tissue engineering applications. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0296510. [PMID: 38157369 PMCID: PMC10756556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tissue engineering has emerged as an innovative approach to treat critical-size bone defects using biocompatible scaffolds, thus avoiding complex distraction surgeries or limited stock grafts. Continuous regeneration monitoring is essential in critical-size cases due to the frequent appearance of non-unions. This work evaluates the potential clinical use of gait analysis for the mechanical assessment of a tissue engineering regeneration as an alternative to the traditional and hardly conclusive manual or radiological follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS The 15-mm metatarsal fragment of eight female merino sheep was surgically replaced by a bioceramic scaffold stabilized with an external fixator. Gait tests were performed weekly by making the sheep walk on an instrumented gangway. The evolution of different kinematic and dynamic parameters was analyzed for all the animal's limbs, as well as asymmetries between limbs. Finally, potential correlation in the recovery of the gait parameters was evaluated through the linear regression models. RESULTS After surgery, the operated limb has an altered way of carrying body weight while walking. Its loading capacity was significantly reduced as the stance phases were shorter and less impulsive. The non-operated limbs compensated for this mobility deficit. All parameters were normalizing during the consolidation phase while the bone callus was simultaneously mineralizing. The results also showed high levels of asymmetry between the operated limb and its contralateral, which exceeded 150% when analyzing the impulse after surgery. Gait recovery significantly correlated between symmetrical limbs. CONCLUSIONS Gait analysis was presented as an effective, low-cost tool capable of mechanically predicting the regeneration of critical-size defects treated by tissue engineering, as comparing regeneration processes or novel scaffolds. Despite the progressive normalization as the callus mineralized, the bearing capacity reduction and the asymmetry of the operated limb were more significant than in other orthopedic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Blázquez-Carmona
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Juan Mora-Macías
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Department of Mining, Mechanical, Energy and Building Engineering, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Juan Morgaz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María del Mar Granados
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jaime Domínguez
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Esther Reina-Romo
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Ledet EH, Caparaso SM, Stout M, Cole KP, Liddle B, Cady NC, Archdeacon MT. Smart fracture plate for quantifying fracture healing: Preliminary efficacy in a biomechanical model. J Orthop Res 2022; 40:2414-2420. [PMID: 34989023 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of fracture nonunion following plate osteosynthesis is subjective and frequently ambiguous. Initially following osteosynthesis, loads applied to the bone are primarily transmitted through the plate. However, as callus stiffness increases, the callus is able to bear load proportional to its stiffness while forces through the plate decrease. The purpose of this study was to use a "smart" fracture plate to distinguish between phases of fracture healing by measuring forces transmitted through the plate. A wireless force sensor and small adapter were placed on the outside of a distal femoral locking plate. The adapter converts the slight bending of the plate under axial load into a transverse force which is measurable by the sensor. An osteotomy was created and then plated in the distal femur of biomechanical Sawbones. Specimens were loaded to simulate single-leg stance first with the osteotomy defect empty (acute healing), then sequentially filled with silicone (early callus) and then polymethyl methacrylate (hard callus). There was a strong correlation between applied axial load and force measured by the "smart" plate. Data demonstrate statistically significant differences between each phase of healing with as little as 150 N of axial load applied to the femur. Forces measured in the plate were significantly different between acute (100%), early callus (66.4%), and hard callus (29.5%). This study demonstrates the potential of a "smart" fracture plate to distinguish between phases of healing. These objective data may enable early diagnosis of nonunion and enhance outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric H Ledet
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute & Research and Development Service, Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Sydney M Caparaso
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Madelyn Stout
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Keegan P Cole
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Benjamin Liddle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Nathaniel C Cady
- Department of Nanobio Science, State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Utica, New York, USA
| | - Michael T Archdeacon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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3
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Calvo-Gallego JL, Mora-Macías J, Reina-Romo E, Domínguez J, Martínez-Reina J. Evolution of relaxation properties of callus tissue during bone transport. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2022; 236:1457-1461. [DOI: 10.1177/09544119221113692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Callus tissue exhibits a viscoelastic behavior that has a strong influence on the distribution of stresses and their evolution with time and, thus, it can affect tissue differentiation during distraction procedures. For this reason, a deep knowledge of that viscoelastic behavior can be very useful to improve current protocols of bone distraction and bone transport. Monitoring stress relaxation of the callus during distraction osteogenesis allows characterizing its viscoelastic behavior. Different procedures have been used in the literature to fit the response of a given viscoelastic model to the force relaxation curve. However, these procedures do not ensure the uniqueness of that fit, which is of the utmost importance for statistical purposes. This work uses a fitting procedure already validated for other tissues that ensures that uniqueness. Very importantly too, the procedure presented here allows obtaining more information from the stress relaxation tests, distinguishing relaxation in different time scales, which provides a deeper insight into the viscoelastic behavior and its evolution over time. As it was observed in the results, relaxation is faster at the first days after osteotomy and becomes slower and more gradual with time. This fact can be directly linked to the temporal evolution of the callus composition (water, organic phase, and mineral content) and also to the progression of tissue differentiation, with a prevalence of hard tissues as time passes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Mora-Macías
- Department of Mining, Mechanical, Energy and Construction Engineering, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Esther Reina-Romo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Jaime Domínguez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Liu Q, Liu Z, Guo H, Liang J, Zhang Y. The progress in quantitative evaluation of callus during distraction osteogenesis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:490. [PMID: 35610718 PMCID: PMC9128294 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05458-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The manual monitoring of callus with digital radiography (X-ray) is the primary bone healing evaluation, assessing the number of bridged callus formations. However, this method is subjective and nonquantitative. Recently, several quantitative monitoring methods, which could assess the recovery of the structure and biomechanical properties of the callus at different stages and the process of bone healing, have been extensively investigated. These methods could reflect the bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), stiffness, callus and bone metabolism at the site of bone lengthening. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the latest techniques for evaluating bone healing during distraction osteogenesis (DO): 1) digital radiography; 2) dual-energy X-ray scanning; 3) ultrasound; 4) quantitative computed tomography; 5) biomechanical evaluation; and 6) biochemical markers. This evidence will provide novel and significant information for evaluating bone healing during DO in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ze Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongbin Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jieyu Liang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Bachmeier AT, Euler E, Bader R, Böcker W, Thaller PH. Novel approach to estimate distraction forces in distraction osteogenesis and application in the human lower leg. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 128:105133. [PMID: 35217291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In distraction osteogenesis (DO) of long bones, new bone tissue is distracted to lengthen limbs or reconstruct bone defects. However, mechanical boundary conditions in human application such as arising forces are mainly based on limited empirical data. Our aim was the numerical determination of the callus distraction force (CDF) and the total distraction force (TDF) during DO in the tibia of adults to advance the understanding of callus tissue behavior and optimize DO procedures. METHOD We implemented a mathematical model based on an animal experiment to enable the calculation of forces arising while distracting callus tissue, excluding the influence of surrounding soft tissue (muscles, skin etc.). The CDF progression for the distraction period was calculated using the implemented model and varying distraction parameters (initial gap, area, step size, time interval, length). Further, we estimated the CDF based on reported forces in humans and compared the results to our model predictions. In addition, we calculated the TDF based on our CDF predictions in combination with reported resisting forces due to soft tissue presence in human cadavers. Finally, we compared the progressions to in vivo TDF measurements for validation. RESULTS Due to relaxation, a peak and resting CDF is observable for each distraction step. Our biomechanical results show a non-linear degressive increase of the resting and peak CDF at the beginning and a steady non-linear increase thereafter. The calculated resting and peak CDF in the tibial metaphysis ranged from 0.00075 to 0.0089 N and 0.22-2.6 N at the beginning as well as 20-25 N and 70-75 N at the end of distraction. The comparison to in vivo data showed the plausibility of our predictions and resulted in a 10-33% and 10-23% share of resting CDF in the total resting force for bone transport and elongation, respectively. Further, the percentage of peak CDF in total peak force was found to be 29-58% and 27-55% for bone transport and elongation, respectively. Moreover, our TDF predictions were valid based on the comparison to in vivo forces and resulted in a degressive increase from 6 to 125 N for the peak TDF and from 5 to 76 N for the resting TDF. CONCLUSION Our approach enables the estimation of forces arising due to the distraction of callus tissue in humans and results in plausible force progressions as well as absolute force values for the callus distraction force during DO. In combination with measurements of resisting forces due to the presence of soft tissue, the total distraction force in DO may also be evaluated. We thus propose the application of this method to approximate the behavior of mechanical callus properties during DO in humans as an alternative to in vivo measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Bachmeier
- 3D-Surgery, Department of General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Biomechanics and Implant Technology Research Laboratory, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
| | - E Euler
- Department of General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - R Bader
- Biomechanics and Implant Technology Research Laboratory, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - W Böcker
- Department of General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - P H Thaller
- 3D-Surgery, Department of General, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Inglis B, Schwarzenberg P, Klein K, von Rechenberg B, Darwiche S, Dailey HL. Biomechanical duality of fracture healing captured using virtual mechanical testing and validated in ovine bones. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2492. [PMID: 35169187 PMCID: PMC8847550 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06267-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone fractures commonly repair by forming a bridging structure called callus, which begins as soft tissue and gradually ossifies to restore rigidity to the bone. Virtual mechanical testing is a promising technique for image-based assessment of structural bone healing in both preclinical and clinical settings, but its accuracy depends on the validity of the material model used to assign tissue mechanical properties. The goal of this study was to develop a constitutive model for callus that captures the heterogeneity and biomechanical duality of the callus, which contains both soft tissue and woven bone. To achieve this, a large-scale optimization analysis was performed on 2363 variations of 3D finite element models derived from computed tomography (CT) scans of 33 osteotomized sheep under normal and delayed healing conditions. A piecewise material model was identified that produced high absolute agreement between virtual and physical tests by differentiating between soft and hard callus based on radiodensity. The results showed that the structural integrity of a healing long bone is conferred by an internal architecture of mineralized hard callus that is supported by interstitial soft tissue. These findings suggest that with appropriate material modeling, virtual mechanical testing is a reliable surrogate for physical biomechanical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Inglis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA.
| | - Peter Schwarzenberg
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA
| | - Karina Klein
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit (MSRU), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte von Rechenberg
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit (MSRU), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine (CABMM), University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Salim Darwiche
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit (MSRU), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine (CABMM), University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hannah L Dailey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA.
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The Distraction Osteogenesis Callus: a Review of the Literature. Clin Rev Bone Miner Metab 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12018-021-09282-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Barcik J, Ernst M, Dlaska CE, Drenchev L, Zeiter S, Epari DR, Windolf M. Programable Active Fixator System for Systematic In Vivo Investigation of Bone Healing Processes. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 21:E17. [PMID: 33375087 PMCID: PMC7792812 DOI: 10.3390/s21010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This manuscript introduces a programable active bone fixator system that enables systematic investigation of bone healing processes in a sheep animal model. In contrast to previous systems, this solution combines the ability to precisely control the mechanical conditions acting within a fracture with continuous monitoring of the healing progression and autonomous operation of the system throughout the experiment. The active fixator system was implemented on a double osteotomy model that shields the experimental fracture from the influence of the animal's functional loading. A force sensor was integrated into the fixator to continuously measure stiffness of the repair tissue as an indicator for healing progression. A dedicated control unit was developed that allows programing of different loading protocols which are later executed autonomously by the active fixator. To verify the feasibility of the system, it was implanted in two sheep with different loading protocols, mimicking immediate and delayed weight-bearing, respectively. The implanted devices operated according to the programmed protocols and delivered seamless data over the whole course of the experiment. The in vivo trial confirmed the feasibility of the system. Hence, it can be applied in further preclinical studies to better understand the influence of mechanical conditions on fracture healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Barcik
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland; (M.E.); (S.Z.); (M.W.)
- Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Metal Science ‘Acad. A. Balevski’, Shipchenski prohod 67, 1574 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Manuela Ernst
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland; (M.E.); (S.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Constantin E. Dlaska
- Orthopaedic Research Institute of Queensland, 7 Turner Street, Townsville, QLD 4812, Australia;
| | - Ludmil Drenchev
- Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Metal Science ‘Acad. A. Balevski’, Shipchenski prohod 67, 1574 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Stephan Zeiter
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland; (M.E.); (S.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Devakara R. Epari
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, George Street 2, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia;
| | - Markus Windolf
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland; (M.E.); (S.Z.); (M.W.)
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Blázquez-Carmona P, Mora-Macías J, Morgaz J, Fernández-Sarmiento JA, Domínguez J, Reina-Romo E. Mechanobiology of Bone Consolidation During Distraction Osteogenesis: Bone Lengthening Vs. Bone Transport. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 49:1209-1221. [PMID: 33111968 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02665-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Bone lengthening and bone transport are regeneration processes that commonly rely on distraction osteogenesis, a widely accepted surgical procedure to deal with numerous bony pathologies. Despite the extensive study in the literature of the influence of biomechanical factors, a lack of knowledge about their mechanobiological differences prevents a clinical particularization. Bone lengthening treatments were performed on sheep metatarsus by reproducing the surgical and biomechanical protocol of previous bone transport experiments. Several in vivo monitoring techniques were employed to build an exhaustive comparison: gait analysis, radiographic and CT assessment, force measures through the fixation, or mechanical characterization of the new tissue. A significant initial loss of the bearing capacity, quantified by the ground reaction forces and the limb contact time with the ground, is suffered by the bone lengthening specimens. The potential effects of this anomaly on the musculoskeletal force distribution and the evolution of the bone callus elastic modulus over time are also analyzed. Imaging techniques also seem to reveal lower bone volume in the bone lengthening callus than in the bone transport one, but an equivalent mineralization rate. The simultaneous quantification of biological and mechanical parameters provides valuable information for the daily clinical routine and numerical tools development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Blázquez-Carmona
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Juan Mora-Macías
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, 21007, Huelva, Spain
| | - Juan Morgaz
- Departamento Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Ctra. Nacional IV-A, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Andrés Fernández-Sarmiento
- Departamento Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Ctra. Nacional IV-A, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jaime Domínguez
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Esther Reina-Romo
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain
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Blázquez-Carmona P, Mora-Macías J, Sanz-Herrera JA, Morgaz J, Navarrete-Calvo R, Domínguez J, Reina-Romo E. Mechanical Influence of Surrounding Soft Tissue on Bone Regeneration Processes: A Bone Lengthening Study. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 49:642-652. [PMID: 32808118 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02592-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Bone lengthening is a bone regeneration technique with multiple clinical applications. One of the most common complications of this treatment is the lack of adaptation of the surrounding soft tissue to their extension. A better understanding of the mechanobiology of the tissues involved in distraction osteogenesis would allow better control of the clinical cases. Bone lengthening treatments were performed in vivo in the metatarsus of Merino sheep, measuring the distraction forces by means of an instrumented fixator. The tissue relaxation after distraction was analyzed in this study. A viscoelastic model was also applied to distraction data to assess the mechanical behavior of the tissues during the distraction phase. Tissue relaxation is similar to other bone regeneration processes which do not imply surrounding soft tissue extension, e.g. bone transport. The effects of this tissue on distraction forces are limited to the first minutes of distraction and elongations above 4% of the original length with the protocol applied. Moreover, the surrounding soft tissue initially loses some of its viscoelasticity and subsequently suffers strain hardening from day 5 of distraction until the end of the distraction phase, day 15. Finally, anatomical changes were also evidenced in the elongated limb of our specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Blázquez-Carmona
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Juan Mora-Macías
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, 21007, Huelva, Spain
| | - José Antonio Sanz-Herrera
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Juan Morgaz
- Departamento Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Ctra. Nacional IV-A, Km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rocío Navarrete-Calvo
- Departamento Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Ctra. Nacional IV-A, Km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jaime Domínguez
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Esther Reina-Romo
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain
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Blázquez-Carmona P, Sanchez-Raya M, Mora-Macías J, Gómez-Galán JA, Domínguez J, Reina-Romo E. Real-Time Wireless Platform for In Vivo Monitoring of Bone Regeneration. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20164591. [PMID: 32824259 PMCID: PMC7472372 DOI: 10.3390/s20164591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
For the monitoring of bone regeneration processes, the instrumentation of the fixation is an increasingly common technique to indirectly measure the evolution of bone formation instead of ex vivo measurements or traditional in vivo techniques, such as X-ray or visual review. A versatile instrumented external fixator capable of adapting to multiple bone regeneration processes was designed, as well as a wireless acquisition system for the data collection. The design and implementation of the overall architecture of such a system is described in this work, including the hardware, firmware, and mechanical components. The measurements are conditioned and subsequently sent to a PC via wireless communication to be in vivo displayed and analyzed using a developed real-time monitoring application. Moreover, a model for the in vivo estimation of the bone callus stiffness from collected data was defined. This model was validated in vitro using elastic springs, reporting promising results with respect to previous equipment, with average errors and uncertainties below 6.7% and 14.04%. The devices were also validated in vivo performing a bone lengthening treatment on a sheep metatarsus. The resulting system allowed the in vivo mechanical characterization of the bone callus during experimentation, providing a low-cost, simple, and highly reliable solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Blázquez-Carmona
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, 41092 Seville, Spain; (J.D.); (E.R.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-601-174-347
| | - Manuel Sanchez-Raya
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; (M.S.-R.); (J.M.-M.); (J.A.G.-G.)
| | - Juan Mora-Macías
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; (M.S.-R.); (J.M.-M.); (J.A.G.-G.)
| | - Juan Antonio Gómez-Galán
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; (M.S.-R.); (J.M.-M.); (J.A.G.-G.)
| | - Jaime Domínguez
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, 41092 Seville, Spain; (J.D.); (E.R.-R.)
| | - Esther Reina-Romo
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, 41092 Seville, Spain; (J.D.); (E.R.-R.)
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Elastic Modulus of Woven Bone: Correlation with Evolution of Porosity and X-ray Greyscale. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 49:180-190. [PMID: 32388799 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02529-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The woven bone created during the healing of bone regeneration processes is characterized as being extremely inhomogeneous and having a variable stiffness that increases with time. Therefore, it is important to study how the mechanical properties of woven bone are dependent on its microarchitecture and especially on its porosity and mineral content. The porosity and the x-ray greyscale of specimens taken from bone transport studies in sheep were assessed by means of ex vivo imaging. Our study demonstrates that the porosity of the woven bone in the distraction area diminishes during the healing process from 73.3% 35 days after surgery to 31.9% 525 days after surgery. In addition, the woven bone's porosity is negatively correlated with its Young's modulus. The x-ray greyscale, was measured as an indicator of the level of mineralization of the woven bone. Greyscale index has been demonstrated to be inversely proportional to porosity and to increase to up to 60-80% of the level in cortical bone. The results of this study may contribute to the development of micromechanical models of woven bone and improvements in in silico modelling.
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Mora-Macías J, Giráldez-Sánchez MÁ, López M, Domínguez J, Reina-Romo ME. Comparison of methods for assigning the material properties of the distraction callus in computational models. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2019; 35:e3227. [PMID: 31197959 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In silico models of distraction osteogenesis and fracture healing usually assume constant mechanical properties for the new bone tissue generated. In addition, these models do not always account for the porosity of the woven bone and its evolution. In this study, finite element analyses based on computed tomography (CT) are used to predict the stiffness of the callus until 69 weeks after surgery using 15 CT images obtained at different stages of an experiment on bone transport, technique in which distraction osteogenesis is used to correct bone defects. Three different approaches were used to assign the mechanical properties to the new bone tissue. First, constant mechanical properties of the hard callus tissue and no porosity were assumed. Nevertheless, this approach did not show good correlations. Second, random variations in the elastic modulus and porosity of the woven bone were taken from previous experimental studies. Finally, the elastic properties of each element were assigned depending on gray scale in CT images. The numerically predicted callus stiffness was compared with previous in vivo measurements. It was concluded firstly that assignment depending on gray scale is the method that provides the best results and secondly that the method that considers a random distribution of porosity and elastic modulus of the callus is also suitable to predict the callus stiffness from 15 weeks after surgery. This finding provides a method for assigning the material properties of the distraction callus, which does not require CT images and may contribute to improve current in silico models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Mora-Macías
- Department of Mining, Mechanical, Energy and Construction Engineering, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Giráldez-Sánchez
- Clinical Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Rheumatology Management Unit, Virgen del Rocío Universitary Hospital, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Jaime Domínguez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María Esther Reina-Romo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Histological study of the docking site after bone transport. Temporal evolution in a sheep model. Injury 2018; 49:1987-1992. [PMID: 30243653 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2018.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bone transport appears to be a solution for segmental bone defects; specifically, the "docking site" is where the transported segment meets the target segment at the end of the process. A lack of its consolidation is one of the major causes of failure for this technique. Many studies have been performed in order to enhance the consolidation of the docking site, but histological changes occurring in it remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine microscopic changes present in this area, from distraction to remodeling, in order to clarify the best options to facilitate the success of this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten adult sheep were submitted to bone transport using an Ilizarov external fixator. Histomorphometry and immunohistochemical studies were performed in the docking site to determine the main types of ossification, the evolutions of tissues and blood vessels and the distributions of collagen I and II. RESULTS Ossification was mainly intramembranous with some areas of endochondral ossification. Fibrous tissue was predominant until 98 days after surgery. The area occupied by blood vessels increased until 50 days after surgery, when it decreased slowly until the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS As far as the authors know, this is the first histological study performed in the docking site reporting the complete evolution of tissues until the end of remodeling, showing results contrary to those published by others authors. This could help to clarify information about its union and may be useful for future investigations about techniques for improving the consolidation of the docking site in humans.
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Martínez-Reina J, García-Rodríguez J, Mora-Macías J, Domínguez J, Reina-Romo E. Comparison of the volumetric composition of lamellar bone and the woven bone of calluses. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2018; 232:682-689. [PMID: 29962326 DOI: 10.1177/0954411918784085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Woven tissue is mainly present in the bone callus, formed very rapidly either after a fracture or in distraction processes. This high formation speed is probably responsible for its disorganized microstructure and this, in turn, for its low stiffness. Nonetheless, the singular volumetric composition of this tissue may also play a key role in its mechanical properties. The volumetric composition of woven tissue extracted from the bone transport callus of sheep was investigated and compared with that of the lamellar tissue extracted from the cortical shell of the same bone. Significant differences were found in the mineral and water contents, but they can be due to the different ages of both tissues, which affects the mineral/water ratio. However, the content in organic phase remains more or less constant throughout the mineralization process and has proven to be a good variable to measure the different composition of both tissues, being that content significantly higher in woven tissue. This may be linked to the abnormally high concentration of osteocytes in this tissue, which is likely a consequence of the more abundant presence of osteoblasts secreting osteoid and burying other osteoblasts, which then differentiate into osteocytes. This would explain the high formation rate of woven tissue, useful to recover the short-term stability of the bone. Nonetheless, the more abundant presence of organic phase prevents the woven tissue from reaching a stiffness similar to that of lamellar tissue in the long term, when it is fully mineralized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martínez-Reina
- 1 Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y Fabricación, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Javier García-Rodríguez
- 1 Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y Fabricación, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Juan Mora-Macías
- 2 Departamento de Ingeniería Minera, Mecánica, Energética y de la Construcción, Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Jaime Domínguez
- 1 Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y Fabricación, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Esther Reina-Romo
- 1 Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y Fabricación, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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Mechanical characterization via nanoindentation of the woven bone developed during bone transport. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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López-Pliego EM, Giráldez-Sánchez MÁ, Mora-Macías J, Reina-Romo E, Domínguez J. Histological evolution of the regenerate during bone transport: an experimental study in sheep. Injury 2016; 47 Suppl 3:S7-S14. [PMID: 27692111 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(16)30600-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bone transport (BT) for segmentary bone defects is a well-known technique as it enables correction with new bone formation, which is similar to the previous bone. Despite the high number of experimental studies of distraction osteogenesis in bone lengthening, the types of ossification and histological changes that occur in the regenerate of the bone transport process remain controversial. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to provide the complete evolution of tissues and the types of ossification in the regenerate during the different phases of bone formation after BT until the end of the remodelling period. METHODS A histological study was performed using ten adult sheep that were submitted to BT. The types of ossification as well as the evolution of different tissues in the regenerate were determined using histomorphometry and inmunohistochemical studies. The evolution of trabeculae thickness, osteoblast and osteoclast densities, relationship between collagen types and changes in vascularization were also studied. RESULTS Ossification was primarily intramembranous, with some focus of endochondral ossification in isolated animals. The cell counts showed a progression of cellular activity from the periphery to the centre, presenting the same progression as the growth of bone trabeculae, whose trabeculae thickness was quadrupled at the end of remodelling. Inmunohistochemical studies confirmed the prevalence of type I collagen and the ratio of the Type I/Type II collagen ratio was found to be 2.48. The percentages of the vascularized areas were proximally higher than distally in all animals, but distal zone obtained higher rates than the central region. CONCLUSIONS Bone transport regenerate exhibits a centripetal ossification model and a mixed pattern with predominance of intramembranous over endochondral ossification. The data obtained resemble partially to those found in models of bone lengthening applied to large animals. This study provides a detailed structural characterization of the newly formed tissue, which may help to explain the development of the regenerate of bone transport in humans. It will also serve for future mechanobiological models that may aid research on the effect of loading or distractor stiffness in clinical results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Macarena López-Pliego
- Clinical Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Rheumatology Management Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain.
| | - Miguel Ángel Giráldez-Sánchez
- Clinical Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Rheumatology Management Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - Juan Mora-Macías
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Seville, Escuela Superior de Ingenieros, Seville, Spain
| | - Esther Reina-Romo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Seville, Escuela Superior de Ingenieros, Seville, Spain
| | - Jaime Domínguez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Seville, Escuela Superior de Ingenieros, Seville, Spain
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Model of the distraction callus tissue behavior during bone transport based in experiments in vivo. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2016; 61:419-430. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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In Vivo Mechanical Characterization of the Distraction Callus During Bone Consolidation. Ann Biomed Eng 2015; 43:2663-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-015-1330-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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