Influences on morphology and biomechanics in rabbit’s femur cortex of ovariectomy

Abstract

Objective To investigate the influences on the femur cortex of the rabbit after ovariectomy and its mechanism. Methods Eighty 6 months-old female pure New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups: 40 rabbits in ovariectomy group and 40 in sham-operation group. The weight averaged 2.2±0.28 kg. Four weeks and 8 weeks after operation, a series of tests were performed in both groups concerning the number, the volume, the rate and the maximal load of cortical bone porosity. The number, the length and the density of linear crack in rabbit femur cortex were documented after repetitive application of minor trauma. Results Micro-CT demonstrated that both on week 4 and 8 after operation, the number, the volume and the rate of cortical bone porosity were all significantly higher in ovariectomy group than that of the control group. Four weeks after operation, the biomechanical test showed the significantly lower average maximal load of rabbit femur in ovariectomy group (1 892.60±59.09) than that of in control group (1 949.25±53.12) (P=0.003). Eight weeks after operation, the average load of both groups decreased to some extent, which was 1 944.55±41.76 in control group and 1 692.40±85.08 in ovariectomy group respectively (P=0.000). However, the average maximal load of ovariectomy group decreased more significantly. Having application of repetitive minor trauma to the bone, the number, the length and the density of linear crack of cortical bone were 3.40±1.67, 216.80±17.60 μm and 0.40±0.08/mm2 in ovariectomy group, and 2.00±1.17, 160.45±16.89 μm and 0.29±0.13/mm2 in control group 4 weeks later. And after 8 weeks, they were 5.15±1.18, 334.60±13.94 μm and 0.35±0.10/mm2 in ovariectomy group, and 3.10±1.37, 182.10±9.80 μm and 0.24±0.09/mm2 in control group. The number, the length and the density of linear crack of cortical bone were all significantly higher in ovariectomy group than that of in control group both on week 4 and on week 8 after operation. Conclusion Ovariectomy increases the porosity of cortical bone of rabbit, destroys its biological property, accelerates the fatigued damage and delays the healing process. These changes may be attributed to fracture and delayed union after fracture. Key words: Rabbits; Ovariectomy; Femur; Biomechanics