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Nadell JA, Elton S, Kovarovic K. Ontogenetic and morphological variation in primate long bones reflects signals of size and behavior. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2020; 174:327-351. [PMID: 33368154 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many primates change their locomotor behavior as they mature from infancy to adulthood. Here we investigate how long bone cross-sectional geometry in Pan, Gorilla, Pongo, Hylobatidae, and Macaca varies in shape and form over ontogeny, including whether specific diaphyseal cross sections exhibit signals of periosteal adaptation or canalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS Diaphyseal cross sections were analyzed in an ontogenetic series across infant, juvenile, and adult subgroups. Three-dimensional laser-scanned long bone models were sectioned at midshaft (50% of biomechanical length) and distally (20%) along the humerus and femur. Traditional axis ratios acted as indices of cross-sectional circularity, while geometric morphometric techniques were used to study cross-sectional allometry and ontogenetic trajectory. RESULTS The humeral midshaft is a strong indicator of posture and locomotor profile in the sample across development, while the mid-femur appears more reflective of shifts in size. By comparison, the distal diaphyses of both limb elements are more ontogenetically constrained, where periosteal shape is largely static across development relative to size, irrespective of a given taxon's behavior or ecology. DISCUSSION Primate limb shape is not only highly variable between taxa over development, but at discrete humeral and femoral diaphyseal locations. Overall, periosteal shape of the humeral and femoral midshaft cross sections closely reflects ontogenetic transitions in behavior and size, respectively, while distal shape in both bones appears more genetically constrained across intraspecific development, regardless of posture or size. These findings support prior research on tradeoffs between function and safety along the limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Nadell
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Elton
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Kris Kovarovic
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
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2
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Katugam K, Cox SM, Salzano MQ, De Boef A, Hast MW, Neuberger T, Ryan TM, Piazza SJ, Rubenson J. Altering the Mechanical Load Environment During Growth Does Not Affect Adult Achilles Tendon Properties in an Avian Bipedal Model. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:994. [PMID: 32984280 PMCID: PMC7492247 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendon mechanical properties respond to altered load in adults, but how load history during growth affects adult tendon properties remains unclear. To address this question, we adopted an avian model in which we altered the mechanical load environment across the growth span. Animals were divided at 2 weeks of age into three groups: (1) an exercise control group given the opportunity to perform high-acceleration movements (EXE, n = 8); (2) a sedentary group restricted from high-intensity exercise (RES, n = 8); and (3) a sedentary group also restricted from high-intensity exercise and in which the gastrocnemius muscles were partially paralyzed using repeated bouts of botulinum toxin-A injections (RES-BTX, n = 8). Video analysis of bird movement confirmed the restrictions eliminated high-intensity exercise and did not alter time spent walking and sitting between groups. At skeletal maturity (33–35 weeks) animals were sacrificed for analysis, consisting of high-field MRI and material load testing, of both the entire free Achilles tendon and the tendon at the bone-tendon junction. Free tendon stiffness, modulus, and hysteresis were unaffected by variation in load environment. Further, the bone-tendon junction cross-sectional area, stress, and strain were also unaffected by variations in load environment. These results suggest that: (a) a baseline level of low-intensity activity (standing and walking) may be sufficient to maintain tendon growth; and (b) if this lower threshold of tendon load is met, non-mechanical mediated tendon growth may override the load-induced mechanotransduction signal attributed to tendon remodeling in adults of the same species. These results are important for understanding of musculoskeletal function and tendon health in growing individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavya Katugam
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Suzanne M Cox
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Matthew Q Salzano
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Integrative and Biomedical Physiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Adam De Boef
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Michael W Hast
- Biedermann Lab for Orthopaedic Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Thomas Neuberger
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Timothy M Ryan
- Department of Anthropology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Stephen J Piazza
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jonas Rubenson
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Integrative and Biomedical Physiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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3
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Channon SB, Young IS, Cordner B, Swann N. Ontogenetic scaling of pelvic limb muscles, tendons and locomotor economy in the ostrich ( Struthio camelus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.182741. [PMID: 31350301 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.182741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In rapidly growing animals there are numerous selective pressures and developmental constraints underpinning the ontogenetic development of muscle-tendon morphology and mechanical properties. Muscle force generating capacity, tendon stiffness, elastic energy storage capacity and efficiency were calculated from muscle and tendon morphological parameters and in vitro tendon mechanical properties obtained from a growth series of ostrich cadavers. Ontogenetic scaling relationships were established using reduced major axis regression analysis. Ostrich pelvic limb muscle mass and cross-sectional area broadly scaled with positive allometry, indicating maintained or relatively greater capacity for maximum isometric force generation in larger animals. The length of distal limb tendons was found to scale with positive allometry in several tendons associated with antigravity support and elastic energy storage during locomotion. Distal limb tendon stiffness scaled with negative allometry with respect to body mass, with tendons being relatively more compliant in larger birds. Tendon material properties also appeared to be size-dependent, suggesting that the relative increased compliance of tendons in larger ostriches is due in part to compensatory distortions in tendon material properties during maturation and development, not simply from ontogenetic changes in tendon geometry. Our results suggest that the previously reported increase in locomotor economy through ontogeny in the ostrich is due to greater potential for elastic energy storage with increasing body size. In fact, the rate of this increase may be somewhat greater than the conservative predictions of previous studies, thus illustrating the biological importance of elastic tendon structures in adult ostriches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Channon
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Iain S Young
- Institute of Integrative Biology, Department of Functional and Comparative Genomics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Beckie Cordner
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Nicola Swann
- Nicola Swann, Department of Applied and Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, Kingston University London, Kingston-on-Thames KT1 2EE, UK
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4
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Javidi M, McGowan CP, Schiele NR, Lin DC. Tendons from kangaroo rats are exceptionally strong and tough. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8196. [PMID: 31160640 PMCID: PMC6546749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44671-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendons must be able to withstand the forces generated by muscles and not fail. Accordingly, a previous comparative analysis across species has shown that tendon strength (i.e., failure stress) increases for larger species. In addition, the elastic modulus increases proportionally to the strength, demonstrating that the two properties co-vary. However, some species may need specially adapted tendons to support high performance motor activities, such as sprinting and jumping. Our objective was to determine if the tendons of kangaroo rats (k-rat), small bipedal animals that can jump as high as ten times their hip height, are an exception to the linear relationship between elastic modulus and strength. We measured and compared the material properties of tendons from k-rat ankle extensor muscles to those of similarly sized white rats. The elastic moduli of k-rat and rat tendons were not different, but k-rat tendon failure stresses were much larger than the rat values (nearly 2 times larger), as were toughness (over 2.5 times larger) and ultimate strain (over 1.5 times longer). These results support the hypothesis that the tendons from k-rats are specially adapted for high motor performance, and k-rat tendon could be a novel model for improving tissue engineered tendon replacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Javidi
- Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, PO Box 646515, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Craig P McGowan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 3051, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA.,WWAMI Medical Education Program, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 4207, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA.,Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, PO Box 646515, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Nathan R Schiele
- Department of Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Dr. MS 0904, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - David C Lin
- Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, PO Box 646515, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA. .,Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, PO Box 646515, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA. .,Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, PO Box 647620, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
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Aerts P, D'Août K, Thorpe S, Berillon G, Vereecke E. The gibbon's Achilles tendon revisited: consequences for the evolution of the great apes? Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:20180859. [PMID: 29899076 PMCID: PMC6015853 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The well-developed Achilles tendon in humans is generally interpreted as an adaptation for mechanical energy storage and reuse during cyclic locomotion. All other extant great apes have a short tendon and long-fibred triceps surae, which is thought to be beneficial for locomotion in a complex arboreal habitat as this morphology enables a large range of motion. Surprisingly, highly arboreal gibbons show a more human-like triceps surae with a long Achilles tendon. Evidence for a spring-like function similar to humans is not conclusive. We revisit and integrate our anatomical and biomechanical data to calculate the energy that can be recovered from the recoiling Achilles tendon during ankle plantar flexion in bipedal gibbons. Only 7.5% of the required external positive work in a stride can come from tendon recoil, yet it is delivered at an instant when the whole-body energy level drops. Consequently, an additional similar amount of mechanical energy must simultaneously dissipate elsewhere in the system. Altogether, this challenges the concept of an energy-saving function in the gibbon's Achilles tendon. Cercopithecids, sister group of the apes, also have a human-like triceps surae. Therefore, a well-developed Achilles tendon, present in the last common 'Cercopithecoidea-Hominoidea' ancestor, seems plausible. If so, the gibbon's anatomy represents an evolutionary relict (no harm-no benefit), and the large Achilles tendon is not the premised key adaptation in humans (although the spring-like function may have further improved during evolution). Moreover, the triceps surae anatomy of extant non-human great apes must be a convergence, related to muscle control and range of motion. This perspective accords with the suggestions put forward in the literature that the last common hominoid ancestor was not necessarily great ape-like, but might have been more similar to the small-bodied catarrhines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Aerts
- Department Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristiaan D'Août
- Department Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Susannah Thorpe
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Evie Vereecke
- Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Selective Value of Characteristic Size Parameters in Hylobatids. A Biomechanical Approach to Small Ape Size and Morphology. DEVELOPMENTS IN PRIMATOLOGY: PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-5614-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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7
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Dumanian GA, Tulaimat A, Dumanian ZP. Experimental study of the characteristics of a novel mesh suture. Br J Surg 2015; 102:1285-92. [PMID: 26154703 PMCID: PMC4758396 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.9853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background The failure of sutures to maintain tissue in apposition is well characterized in hernia repairs. A mesh suture designed to facilitate tissue integration into and around the filaments may improve tissue hold and decrease suture pull‐through. Methods In vitro, the sutures were compared for resistance to pull‐through in ballistics gel. In vivo, closure of midline laparotomy incisions was done with both sutures in 11 female pigs. Tissue segments were subsequently subjected to mechanical and histological testing. Results The mesh suture had tensile characteristics nearly identical to those of 0‐polypropylene suture. Mesh suture demonstrated greater resistance to pull‐through than standard suture (mean(s.d.) 4·27(0·42) versus 2·23(0·48) N; P < 0·001) in vitro. In pigs, the ultimate tensile strength for repaired linea alba at 8 days was higher with mesh suture (320(57) versus 160(56) N; P < 0·001), as was the work to failure (24·6(14·2) versus 7·3(3·7) J; P < 0·001) and elasticity (128(9) versus 72(7) N/cm; P < 0·001) in comparison with 0‐polypropylene suture. Histological examination at 8 and 90 days showed complete tissue integration of the mesh suture. Conclusion The novel mesh suture structure increased the strength of early wound healing in an experimental model.
Surgical relevance Traditional sutures have the significant drawback of cutting and pulling through tissues in high‐tension closures. A new mesh suture design with a flexible macroporous outer wall and a hollow core allows the tissues to grow into the suture, improving early wound strength and decreasing suture pull‐through. This technology may dramatically increase the reliability of high‐tension closures, thereby preventing incisional hernia after laparotomy. As suture pull‐through is a problem relevant to all surgical disciplines, numerous additional indications are envisioned with mesh suture formulations of different physical properties and materials. Improved early wound strength
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Dumanian
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - A Tulaimat
- Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Z P Dumanian
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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8
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Thorpe CT, Godinho MSC, Riley GP, Birch HL, Clegg PD, Screen HRC. The interfascicular matrix enables fascicle sliding and recovery in tendon, and behaves more elastically in energy storing tendons. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2015; 52:85-94. [PMID: 25958330 PMCID: PMC4655227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
While the predominant function of all tendons is to transfer force from muscle to bone and position the limbs, some tendons additionally function as energy stores, reducing the cost of locomotion. Energy storing tendons experience extremely high strains and need to be able to recoil efficiently for maximum energy storage and return. In the equine forelimb, the energy storing superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) has much higher failure strains than the positional common digital extensor tendon (CDET). However, we have previously shown that this is not due to differences in the properties of the SDFT and CDET fascicles (the largest tendon subunits). Instead, there is a greater capacity for interfascicular sliding in the SDFT which facilitates the greater extensions in this particular tendon (Thorpe et al., 2012). In the current study, we exposed fascicles and interfascicular matrix (IFM) from the SDFT and CDET to cyclic loading followed by a test to failure. The results show that IFM mechanical behaviour is not a result of irreversible deformation, but the IFM is able to withstand cyclic loading, and is more elastic in the SDFT than in the CDET. We also assessed the effect of ageing on IFM properties, demonstrating that the IFM is less able to resist repetitive loading as it ages, becoming stiffer with increasing age in the SDFT. These results provide further indications that the IFM is important for efficient function in energy storing tendons, and age-related alterations to the IFM may compromise function and predispose older tendons to injury. Fascicle sliding enables high levels of extension in energy storing tendons. Sliding mechanics are governed by the interfascicular matrix (IFM). We assessed IFM extension and recovery. IFM elasticity and recovery are greater in energy storing tendons. The IFM plays an important role in the function of energy storing tendons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chavaunne T Thorpe
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS UK.
| | - Marta S C Godinho
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS UK
| | - Graham P Riley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Helen L Birch
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore HA7 4LP, UK
| | - Peter D Clegg
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Hazel R C Screen
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS UK
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9
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WEARING SCOTTC, LOCKE SIMON, SMEATHERS JAMESE, HOOPER SUEL. Tendinopathy Alters Cumulative Transverse Strain in the Patellar Tendon after Exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2015; 47:264-71. [DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000000417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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10
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Griffin NL, Miller CE, Schmitt D, D'Août K. Understanding the evolution of the windlass mechanism of the human foot from comparative anatomy: Insights, obstacles, and future directions. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2014; 156:1-10. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L. Griffin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Temple University School of Medicine; Philadelphia PA 19140
| | | | - Daniel Schmitt
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology; Duke University; NC
| | - Kristiaan D'Août
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology; Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
- Department of Biology; University of Antwerp, Antwerp; Belgium
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11
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Hogervorst T, Vereecke EE. Evolution of the human hip. Part 1: the osseous framework. J Hip Preserv Surg 2014; 1:39-45. [PMID: 27011802 PMCID: PMC4765288 DOI: 10.1093/jhps/hnu013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive osseous adaptations of the lumbar spine, pelvis, hip and femur characterize the emergence of the human bipedal gait with its ‘double extension’ of the lumbar spine and hip. To accommodate lumbar lordosis, the pelvis was ‘compacted’, becoming wider and shorter, as compared with the non-human apes. The hip joint acquired a much more extended position, which can be seen in a broader evolutionary context of verticalization of limbs. When loaded in a predominantly vertical position, the femur can be built lighter and longer than when it is loaded more horizontally because bending moments are smaller. Extension of the hip joint together with elongation of the femur increases effective leg length, and hence stride length, which improves energy efficiency. At the hip joint itself, the shift of the hip’s default working range to a more extended position influences concavity at the head–neck junction and femoral neck anteversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Hogervorst
- Haga Hospital, Sportlaan 600, 2566MJ The Hague, Netherlands and Department of Development & Regeneration @ Kulak, KU Leuven, Etienne Sabbelaan 53, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Evie E Vereecke
- Haga Hospital, Sportlaan 600, 2566MJ The Hague, Netherlands and Department of Development & Regeneration @ Kulak, KU Leuven, Etienne Sabbelaan 53, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
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12
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D'Agostino P, Kerkhof FD, Shahabpour M, Moermans JP, Stockmans F, Vereecke EE. Comparison of the anatomical dimensions and mechanical properties of the dorsoradial and anterior oblique ligaments of the trapeziometacarpal joint. J Hand Surg Am 2014; 39:1098-107. [PMID: 24810939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The respective roles of the dorsoradial (DRL) and anterior oblique (AOL) ligaments in stability of the highly mobile trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint remain disputed. Earlier publications have pointed to the AOL as the key stabilizing structure; yet, more recent publications have challenged the stabilizing role of the AOL, favoring the DRL as the main TMC joint stabilizer. We executed an anatomical study of the ligaments, including detailed dissection to quantify the length, width, and thickness of the AOL and DRL and tested the material properties of these ligaments. METHODS Thirteen fresh frozen cadaveric thumbs from 9 specimens were used. Length, width, and thickness of the AOL and DRL were measured on magnetic resonance imaging and/or after dissection. Next, the first metacarpal and trapezium were isolated together with both ligaments, and both bones were cut sagittally to isolate a first metacarpal-AOL-trapezium and first metacarpal-DRL-trapezium complex from each thumb. These samples were subjected to cyclic loading in displacement-controlled tests. The obtained force-displacement curves were used to calculate stiffness and hysteresis of each sample. RESULTS Our results showed that the DRL is significantly shorter and thicker than the AOL, which is thin and ill-defined. Our results also indicate that the DRL has a higher stiffness than the AOL, making it a more likely candidate to provide joint stability. CONCLUSIONS Although the AOL has been asserted to be the primary restraint to dorsoradial subluxation, this view has been challenged over the past 10 years by several studies. These studies have shown the AOL to be relatively weak and compliant compared with the intermetacarpal and dorsoradial ligaments and have demonstrated that the DRL is the strongest and stiffest ligament of the TMC joint. Our studies confirm these findings. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study indicates that the DRL is relatively stiff and thick, suggesting it should be repaired or reconstructed when disrupted to restore stability of the TMC joint.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D'Agostino
- Department of Development and Regeneration @ Kulak, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium; Hand Clinic, Louise Medical Center, Brussels, Belgium; Europe Clinic, St-Elisabeth Clinic, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Centre de Chirurgie de la Main, Clinique du Parc Léopold, Brussels, Belgium; HUDERF, ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Handgroep, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium.
| | - F D Kerkhof
- Department of Development and Regeneration @ Kulak, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium; Hand Clinic, Louise Medical Center, Brussels, Belgium; Europe Clinic, St-Elisabeth Clinic, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Centre de Chirurgie de la Main, Clinique du Parc Léopold, Brussels, Belgium; HUDERF, ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Handgroep, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - M Shahabpour
- Department of Development and Regeneration @ Kulak, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium; Hand Clinic, Louise Medical Center, Brussels, Belgium; Europe Clinic, St-Elisabeth Clinic, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Centre de Chirurgie de la Main, Clinique du Parc Léopold, Brussels, Belgium; HUDERF, ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Handgroep, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - J-P Moermans
- Department of Development and Regeneration @ Kulak, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium; Hand Clinic, Louise Medical Center, Brussels, Belgium; Europe Clinic, St-Elisabeth Clinic, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Centre de Chirurgie de la Main, Clinique du Parc Léopold, Brussels, Belgium; HUDERF, ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Handgroep, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - F Stockmans
- Department of Development and Regeneration @ Kulak, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium; Hand Clinic, Louise Medical Center, Brussels, Belgium; Europe Clinic, St-Elisabeth Clinic, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Centre de Chirurgie de la Main, Clinique du Parc Léopold, Brussels, Belgium; HUDERF, ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Handgroep, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - E E Vereecke
- Department of Development and Regeneration @ Kulak, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium; Hand Clinic, Louise Medical Center, Brussels, Belgium; Europe Clinic, St-Elisabeth Clinic, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Centre de Chirurgie de la Main, Clinique du Parc Léopold, Brussels, Belgium; HUDERF, ULB, Brussels, Belgium; Handgroep, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
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