RAPID STIMULATION OF CHONDROCYTE PROLIFERATION AND AUGMENTED ENDOCHONDRAL DRIVE IN THE EPIPHYSEAL GROWTH PLATES IN RESPONSE TO APPLIED DYNAMIC LOAD

Abstract

Purpose: Articular chondrocytes acquire many behaviours in osteoarthritis (OA) that are typically seen in endochondral ossification (EO) and these, notably, emerge in the dynamically-challenging biomechanical environment of the joint. EO, critical during skeletal growth, is therefore a pivotal contributor to the massive morbidity and £billions/year burden of both OA. EO is sensitive to local biomechanics, yet the control mechanisms coordinating sensitivity to dynamic mechanical stimuli are undefined.