Bone Surface Strains Research Articles

17. Understanding proximal junctional kyphosis: New way of evaluating adjacent segment strain and vulnerability to failure after long segment instrumentation

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a common and devastating complication of long segment fusions. Presumably, PJK occurs due to excessive or altered strain distribution at the proximal level above a fusion construct; however, this has not been previously studied or proven experimentally. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> Evaluate the patterns of proximal junction discoligamentous and bone strain distribution following long-segment pedicle screw fixation in a cadaveric model. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Human cadaveric biomechanical testing. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> Seven human cadaver specimens (T2-T12). <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Range of motion (ROM), posterior rod strain (RS), as well as intervertebral disc (IVD), endplate and bone surface strains at the proximal junction. <h3>METHODS</h3> Nondestructive flexibility tests (4.0 Nm) were performed on 7 specimens (T2-T12) to compare range of motion (ROM), posterior rod strain (RS), as well as intervertebral disc (IVD), endplate and bone surface strains at the proximal junction during flexion, extension, axial rotation (AR) following pedicle screw fixation (PSR) from T4 to T12. Specimens were coated with a high contrast speckle pattern for optical tracking of movements using digital image correlation (DIC) with conversion to principle strain measured at the proximal junction disc and vertebral body bone surfaces. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA followed by post hoc comparisons. <h3>RESULTS</h3> PSR resulted in significantly greater mobility at the proximal free level (T3-4) in flexion compared to intact (p=0.005), but not extension (p=0.3). PSR resulted in significantly lower ROM in flexion and extension across the instrumented T5-T12 levels (p<0.001) compared to intact. In flexion, PSR resulted in decreased strain at the posterior T3 inferior endplate compared to intact (p=0.038). In extension, PSR resulted in decreased strain at the anterior aspect of the disc (p=0.014), but increased strain at the posterior aspect of the disc (p=0.026) compared to intact. In AR, PSR resulted in elevated strain at the T3 inferior endplate (p=0.02), and reduced strain at the T4 superior endplate (p=0.028). Average T4 surface bone strain was lower with PSR compared to intact in flexion (p=0.039) and extension (p=0.028), and lower in the inferior anterior vertebral body in left AR (p=0.045). <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> This represents the first cadaveric biomechanical study of bone and soft tissue strain following long segment spinal instrumentation. Our results suggest that instrumentation alters the normal anterior-posterior and cranial-caudal strain profile across the proximal disc and vertebral body—the most common failure points in PJK. This study provides a foundation for understanding the biomechanics underlying PJK and will allow for the development of more targeted prevention strategies. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Age and Sex Differences in Load-Induced Tibial Cortical Bone Surface Strain Maps.

ABSTRACTBone adapts its architecture to the applied load; however, it is still unclear how bone mechano‐adaptation is coordinated and why potential for adaptation adjusts during the life course. Previous animal models have suggested strain as the mechanical stimulus for bone adaptation, but yet it is unknown how mouse cortical bone load‐related strains vary with age and sex. In this study, full‐field strain maps (at 1 N increments up to 12 N) on the bone surface were measured in young, adult, and old (aged 10, 22 weeks, and 20 months, respectively), male and female C57BL/6J mice with load applied using a noninvasive murine tibial model. Strain maps indicate a nonuniform strain field across the tibial surface, with axial compressive loads resulting in tension on the medial side of the tibia because of its curved shape. The load‐induced surface strain patterns and magnitudes show sexually dimorphic changes with aging. A comparison of the average and peak tensile strains indicates that the magnitude of strain at a given load generally increases during maturation, with tibias in female mice having higher strains than in males. The data further reveal that postmaturation aging is linked to sexually dimorphic changes in average and maximum strains. The strain maps reported here allow for loading male and female C57BL/6J mouse legs in vivo at the observed ages to create similar increases in bone surface average or peak strain to more accurately explore bone mechano‐adaptation differences with age and sex. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Spatial relationship between bone formation and mechanical stimulus within cortical bone: Combining 3D fluorochrome mapping and poroelastic finite element modelling

Bone is a dynamic tissue and adapts its architecture in response to biological and mechanical factors. Here we investigate how cortical bone formation is spatially controlled by the local mechanical environment in the murine tibia axial loading model (C57BL/6). We obtained 3D locations of new bone formation by performing ‘slice and view’ 3D fluorochrome mapping of the entire bone and compared these sites with the regions of high fluid velocity or strain energy density estimated using a finite element model, validated with ex-vivo bone surface strain map acquired ex-vivo using digital image correlation. For the comparison, 2D maps of the average bone formation and peak mechanical stimulus on the tibial endosteal and periosteal surface across the entire cortical surface were created. Results showed that bone formed on the periosteal and endosteal surface in regions of high fluid flow. Peak strain energy density predicted only the formation of bone periosteally. Understanding how the mechanical stimuli spatially relates with regions of cortical bone formation in response to loading will eventually guide loading regime therapies to maintain or restore bone mass in specific sites in skeletal pathologies.

Comparison of strain measurement in the mouse forearm using subject-specific finite element models, strain gaging, and digital image correlation.

Mechanical loading in bone leads to the activation of bone-forming pathways that are most likely associated with a minimum strain threshold being experienced by the osteocyte. To investigate the correlation between cellular response and mechanical stimuli, researchers must develop accurate ways to measure/compute strain both externally on the bone surface and internally at the osteocyte level. This study investigates the use of finite element (FE) models to compute bone surface strains on the mouse forearm. Strains from three FE models were compared to data collected experimentally through strain gaging and digital image correlation (DIC). Each FE model was assigned subject-specific bone properties and consisted of one-dimensional springs representing the interosseous membrane. After three-point bending was performed on the ulnae and radii, moment of inertia was determined from microCT analysis of the bone region between the supports and then used along with standard beam analyses to calculate the Young's modulus. Non-contact strain measurements from DIC were determined to be more suitable for validating numerical results than experimental data obtained through conventional strain gaging. When comparing strain responses in the three ulnae, we observed a 3-14% difference between numerical and DIC strains while the strain gage values were 37-56% lower than numerical values. This study demonstrates a computational approach for capturing bone surface strains in the mouse forearm. Ultimately, strains from these macroscale models can be used as inputs for microscale and nanoscale FE models designed to analyze strains directly in the osteocyte lacunae.

Influence of Different Boundary Conditions in Finite Element Analysis on Pelvic Biomechanical Load Transmission.

To observe the effects of boundary conditions and connect conditions on biomechanics predictions in finite element (FE) pelvic models. Three FE pelvic models were constructed to analyze the effect of boundary conditions and connect conditions in the hip joint: an intact pelvic model assumed contact of the hip joint on both sides (Model I); and a pelvic model assumed the hip joint connecting surfaces fused together with (Model II) or without proximal femurs (Model III). The model was validated by bone surface strains obtained from strain gauges in an in vitro pelvic experiment. Vertical load was applied to the pelvic specimen, and the same load was simulated in the FE model. There was a strong correlation between the FE analysis results of Model I and the experimental results (R 2 = 0.979); meanwhile, the correlation coefficient and the linear regression function increased slightly with increasing load force. Comparing the three models, the stress values in the point near the pubic symphysis in Model III were 48.52 and 39.1% lower, respectively, in comparison with Models I and II. Furthermore, the stress values on the dome region of the acetabulum in Models II and III were 103.61 and 390.53% less than those of Model I. Besides, the posterior acetabular wall stress values of Model II were 197.15 and 305.17% higher than those of Models I and III, respectively. These findings suggest that the effect of the connect condition in the hip joint should not be neglected, especially in studies related to clinical applications.

Continuous cyclic stretch induces osteoblast alignment and formation of anisotropic collagen fiber matrix

Bone tissue geometry shows a highly anisotropic architecture, which is derived from its genetic regulation and mechanical environment. Osteoblasts are responsible not only for bone formation, through the secretion of collagen type I, but also for sensing the mechanical stimuli due to bone surface strain. Mechanotransduction by osteoblasts is therefore considered one of the regulators of anisotropic bone tissue morphogenesis. The orientation of osteoblasts and the secreted collagen matrix was successfully regulated by applying a continuous mechanical stress on osteoblasts for a long period. Under a continuous cyclic stretch of 4% magnitude at a rate of 2 cycles min−1, osteoblasts reoriented their actin stress fibers in the direction that minimizes the strain applied to them. Extended culture of up to 2weeks resulted in the formation of collagen fibers in the extracellular spaces, and the preferred orientation of these fibers was parallel to the direction of cell elongation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to establish anisotropic bone matrix architecture following the alignment of osteoblasts under mechanical stimuli for long-term cultivation.

The Effect of Boundary Condition on the Biomechanics of a Human Pelvic Joint Under an Axial Compressive Load: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model

The finite element (FE) model of the pelvic joint is helpful for clinical diagnosis and treatment of pelvic injuries. However, the effect of an FE model boundary condition on the biomechanical behavior of a pelvic joint has not been well studied. The objective of this study was to study the effect of boundary condition on the pelvic biomechanics predictions. A 3D FE model of a pelvis using subject-specific estimates of intact bone structures, main ligaments and bone material anisotropy by computed tomography (CT) gray value was developed and validated by bone surface strains obtained from rosette strain gauges in an in vitro pelvic experiment. Then three FE pelvic models were constructed to analyze the effect of boundary condition, corresponding to an intact pelvic joint, a pelvic joint without sacroiliac ligaments and a pelvic joint without proximal femurs, respectively. Vertical load was applied to the same pelvis with a fixed prosthetic femoral stem and the same load was simulated in the FE model. A strong correlation coefficient (R(2)=0.9657) was calculated, which indicated a strong correlation between the FE analysis and experimental results. The effect of boundary condition changes on the biomechanical response depended on the anatomical location and structure of the pelvic joint. It was found that acetabulum fixed in all directions with the femur removed can increase the stress distribution on the acetabular inner plate (approximately double the original values) and decrease that on the superior of pubis (from 7 MPa to 0.6 MPa). Taking sacrum and ilium as a whole, instead of sacroiliac and iliolumber ligaments, can influence the stress distribution on ilium and pubis bone vastly. These findings suggest pelvic biomechanics is very dependent on the boundary condition in the FE model.

Measurement of Cortical Bone Strain Distribution by Image Correlation Techniques and from Fracture Toughness

Bone fracture toughness has been well studied, however, it is also important to investigate the effect of preservative treatment on the mechanical properties of bones. It is necessary to evaluate crack initiation and propagation after fracture because this process may be different in the case of injured bone tissues. In this study, we attempted to analyze the strain distribution on bone tissue surface by using image correlation techniques in order to elucidate the relationship between microscopic bone damage and strain distribution. Bovine femoral cortical bone was employed as the bone specimen and the three-point bend test method was used to determine the fracture toughness, in accordance with the ASTM E399 guidelines. An Instron type machine was used in the fracture toughness test and the loading rate was set to 1 mm/min. Black and white spray paint was applied in a random pattern to the surface of the specimens, and the specimens were loaded until they were ruptured. Bone surface strain analysis was performed using image correlation techniques and the changes were recorded in a digital image. In order to evaluate the effects of preservative treatment on the mechanical properties of bone, we categorized the specimens into 4 groups: the control group included the specimens that were submitted for testing immediately after machining and the preservation group comprised specimens that were analyzed after preservative treatment with different method (formalin, ethanol and physiological saline solution). A strain analysis performed using image correlation techniques allowed the visualization of the increased strain at the forward end of the slit of the specimens. The strain value at the forward end of the slit (the longitudinal direction of specimens) measured at the time of rupture in the control group was approximately 4 times larger than that in the formalin preservation group, thereby suggesting the embrittlement of bone organic constituents due to preservative treatment. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.M2010426]

In vitro evaluation of a low-modulus mesh canine prosthetic hip stem

To compare an electron beam melting-processed (EBMP) low-modulus titanium alloy mesh stem with a commercial cobalt-chromium (CC) stem in a canine cadaver model. 9 pairs of cadaver femora. EBMP stems of 3 sizes were placed in randomly chosen sides of femora (left or right) and CC stems in opposite sides. Stem impaction distances were recorded. Five strain gauges were attached to the femoral surface to record transverse tensile (hoop) strains in the femur during axial loading. Constructs were axially loaded 4 times to 800 N and 4 times to 1,600 N in a materials testing machine. Axial stiffness of constructs and bone surface strains were compared between EBMP and CC constructs. Stems were impacted without creating femoral fissures or fractures. Stem impaction distances were larger for EBMP stems than for CC stems. Mean axial stiffness of EBMP constructs was lower than mean axial stiffness of CC constructs. Subsidence did not differ between groups. Bone strains varied among strain gauge positions and were largest at the distal aspect of the stems. At a load of 1,600 N, bones strains were higher in CC constructs than in EBMP constructs for 2 of 4 medial strain gauges. EBMP stems were successfully impacted and stable and led to a focal decrease in bone strain; this may represent an acceptable option for conventional or custom joint replacement.

A Novel Closed-Loop Electromechanical Stimulator to Enhance Osseointegration with Immediate Loading of Dental Implant Restorations

The degree of osseomechanical integration of dental implants is acutely sensitive to their mechanical environment. Bone, both as a tissue and structure, adapts its mass and architecture in response to loading conditions. Therefore, application of predefined controlled loads may be considered as a treatment option to promote early maturation of bone/implant interface prior to or in conjunction with crown/prosthesis attachment. Although many studies have established that the magnitude, rate of the applied strain, and frequency have significant effects on the osteogenic response, the actual specific relationships between strain parameters and frequency have not yet been fully defined. The purpose of this study was to develop a stimulator to apply defined mechanical stimuli to individual dental implants in vivo immediately after implantation, exploring the hypothesis that immediate controlled loading could enhance implant integration. An electromechanical device was developed, based on load values obtained using a two-dimensional finite element analysis of the bone/implant interface generating 1000 to 4000 pe and operated at 30 and 3 Hz respectively. The device was then tested in a cadaveric pig mandible, and periosteal bone surface strains were recorded for potential future comparison with a three-dimensional finite element model to determine loading regimens to optimize interface strains and iterate the device for clinical use.

画像相関法を用いた皮質骨のひずみ分布測定と破壊じん性

Bone fracture toughness has been well studied, however, it is also important to investigate the effect of preservative treatment on the mechanical properties of bones. It is necessary to evaluate crack initiation and propagation after fracture because this process may be different in the case of injured bone tissues. In this study, we attempted to analyze the strain distribution on bone tissue surface by using image correlation techniques in order to elucidate the relationship between microscopic bone damage and strain distribution. Bovine femoral cortical bone was employed as the bone specimen and the three-point bend test method was used to determine the fracture toughness, in accordance with the ASTM E399 guidelines. An Instron type machine was used in the fracture toughness test and the loading rate was set to 1 mm/min. Black and white spray paint was applied in a random pattern to the surface of the specimens, and the specimens were loaded until they were ruptured. Bone surface strain analysis was performed using image correlation techniques and the changes were recorded in a digital image. In order to evaluate the effects of preservative treatment on the mechanical properties of bone, we categorized the specimens into 4 groups: the control group included the specimens that were submitted for testing immediately after machining and the preservation group comprised specimens that were analyzed after preservative treatment with different method (formalin, ethanol and physiological saline solution). A strain analysis performed using image correlation techniques allowed the visualization of the increased strain at the forward end of the slit of the specimens. The strain value at the forward end of the slit (the longitudinal direction of specimens) measured at the time of rupture in the control group was approximately 4 times larger than that in the formalin preservation group, thereby suggesting the embrittlement of bone organic constituents due to preservative treatment.

Using digital image correlation to determine bone surface strains during loading and after adaptation of the mouse tibia

Previous models of cortical bone adaptation, in which loading is imposed on the bone, have estimated the strains in the tissue using strain gauges, analytical beam theory, or finite element analysis. We used digital image correlation (DIC), tracing a speckle pattern on the surface of the bone during loading, to determine surface strains in a murine tibia during compressive loading through the knee joint. We examined whether these surface strains in the mouse tibia are modified following two weeks of load-induced adaptation by comparison with contralateral controls. Results indicated non-uniform strain patterns with isolated areas of high strain (0.5%), particularly on the medial side. Strain measurements were reproducible (standard deviation of the error 0.03%), similar between specimens, and in agreement with strain gauge measurements (between 0.1 and 0.2% strain). After structural adaptation, strains were more uniform across the tibial surface, particularly on the medial side where peak strains were reduced from 0.5% to 0.3%. Because DIC determines local strains over the entire surface, it will provide a better understanding of how strain stimulus influences the bone response during adaptation.

Computational simulation of spontaneous bone straightening in growing children

Periosteal surface pressures have been shown to inhibit bone formation and induce bone resorption, while tensile strains perpendicular to the periosteal surface have been shown to inhibit bone resorption and induce new bone deposition. A new computational model was developed to incorporate these experimental findings into simulations of spontaneous bone straightening in children with congenital posteromedial bowing of the tibia. Three-dimensional finite element models of the periosteum were used to determine the relationships between the defect angle and the distribution of bone surface pressures and strains due to growth-generated tensile strains in the periosteum. These relationships were incorporated into an iterative simulation to model development of a growing, bowed tibia with an initial defect angle of 27 degrees. When periosteal loads were included in the simulation, the defect angle decreased to 10 degrees after 2 years, and the bone straightened by an age of 25 years. When periosteal loads were not included in the simulation, the defect angle decreased to 23 degrees after 2 years, and a defect angle of 9 degrees remained at an age of 25 years. A "modeling drift" bone apposition/resorption pattern appeared only when periosteal loads were included. The results suggest that periosteal pressures and tensile strains induced by bone bowing can accelerate the process of bone straightening and lead to more complete correction of congenital bowing defects. Including the mechanobiological effects of periosteal surface loads in the simulations produced results similar to those seen clinically, with rapid straightening during the first few years of growth.

Alterations in femoral strain following hip resurfacing and total hip replacement

Bone surface strains were measured in cadaver femora during loading prior to and after resurfacing of the hip and total hip replacement using an uncemented, tapered femoral component. In vitro loading simulated the single-leg stance phase during walking. Strains were measured on the medial and the lateral sides of the proximal aspect and the mid-diaphysis of the femur. Bone surface strains following femoral resurfacing were similar to those in the native femur, except for proximal shear strains, which were significantly less than those in the native femur. Proximomedial strains following total hip replacement were significantly less than those in the native and the resurfaced femur. These results are consistent with previous clinical evidence of bone loss after total hip replacement, and provide support for claims of bone preservation after resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip.

Stress shielding and stress concentration of contemporary epiphyseal hip prostheses

After the first early failures, proximal femoral epiphyseal replacement is becoming popular again. Prosthesis-to-bone load transfer is critical for two reasons: stress shielding is suspected of being responsible for a number of failures of early epiphyseal prostheses; stress concentration is probably responsible of the relevant number of early femoral neck fractures in resurfaced patients. The scope of this work was to experimentally investigate the load transfer of a commercial epiphyseal prosthesis (Birmingham Hip Replacement (BHR)) and an innovative prototype proximal epiphyseal replacement. To investigate bone surface strain, ten cadaveric femurs were instrumented with 15 triaxial strain gauges. In addition the cement layer of the prototype was instrumented with embedded gauges to estimate the strain in the adjacent trabecular bone. Six different loading configurations were investigated, with and without muscles. For the BHR prosthesis, significant stress shielding was observed on the posterior side of the head-neck region (the strain was halved); a pronounced stress concentration was observed on the anterior surface (up to five times in some specimens); BHR was quite sensitive to the different loading configurations. For the prototype, the largest stress shielding was observed in the neck region (lower than the BHR; alteration less than 20 per cent); some stress concentration was observed at the head region, close to the rim of the prosthesis (alteration less than 20 per cent); the different loading configurations had similar effects. Such large alterations with respect to the pre-operative conditions were found only in regions where the strain level was low. Conversely, alterations were moderate where the strain was higher. Thus, prosthesis-to-bone load transfer of both devices has been elucidated; the prototype preserved a stress distribution closer to the physiological condition.

Functional Loads of the Tongue and Consequences of Volume Reduction

This study was conducted to evaluate functional loads of the tongue on its surrounding bones and investigate how tongue volume reduction affects these loads. Masticatory bone strains and pressures on facial bones directly contacted by the tongue were measured in 12 (6 sibling pairs) 12-week-old Yucatan miniature pigs. One of each sibling pair underwent surgery to reduce the tongue volume by 23% to 25% (reduction group); the other underwent identical tongue incisions without tissue removal (sham group). Rosette strain gauges were bonded to the palatal surface of premaxilla (PM), the lingual surface of mandibular alveolar bones between the second and third decidious incisors (MI), and below the third decidious molar (MM). Single-element stain gauges were placed across the palatal surface of the premaxillary stuture (PMS) and the lingual surface of the mandibular symphysis (MSP). Pressure tranducers were placed on the hard palatal surface of the maxillary (PAL) and the lingual surface of the mandible (MAN) posterior to the deciduous canine. Animals were allowed to feed unrestrainedly after surgery and device placement. Data from bone strain, pressure, and electromyographic (EMG) activity of bilateral masseter muscles were recorded during natural mastication (pig chow). In the sham animals, the principal bone surface strains were less than 100 microepsilon in all measures. The principal strains were greater compressive than tensile strains at the PM and greater tensile than compressive strains at the MI and MM. Tensile strains were significantly greater at the MM than at the PM (P < .01). Strains were tensile at the PMS and compressive at the MSP, with significantly higher magnitude (> 100 microepsilon) at the PMS (P < .05). Pressures ranged from 2.12 to 8.04 kPa, with higher readings at the MSP compared with the PAL (P < .05). Tongue volume reduction did not affect strain polarity at any site but did diminish principal strain magnitudes significantly at the MI (P < .05). At the PM and MI, the principal tensile orientation was significantly altered from the lateroanterior to the lateroposterior direction (P < .05 to .001). Strains at the MM and MSP showed little change. Compared with the sham animals, tensile strain at the PMS and pressures at the PAL and MAN were decreased by > or = 50% (P < .01). These results suggest that 1) the tongue produces greater functional loads (strains and pressures) on mandibular lingual surfaces than on maxillary/premaxillary palatal surfaces; 2) tongue volume reduction decreases these loads, specifically those in the anterior mouth; and 3) masticatory loads produced by the tongue on the lingual mandibular and palatal maxillary/premaxillary surfaces are much smaller than those produced by masticatory muscles on the dorsal surfaces of these bones and temporomandibular joint structures.

A Musculoskeletal Model of the Equine Forelimb for Determining Surface Stresses and Strains in the Humerus—Part II. Experimental Testing and Model Validation

The first objective of this study was to experimentally determine surface bone strain magnitudes and directions at the donor site for bone grafts, the site predisposed to stress fracture, the medial and cranial aspects of the transverse cross section corresponding to the stress fracture site, and the middle of the diaphysis of the humerus of a simplified in vitro laboratory preparation. The second objective was to determine whether computing strains solely in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the humerus in the mathematical model was inherently limited by comparing the strains measured along the longitudinal axis of the bone to the principal strain magnitudes and directions. The final objective was to determine whether the mathematical model formulated in Part I [Pollock et al., 2008, ASME J. Biomech. Eng., 130, p. 041006] is valid for determining the bone surface strains at the various locations on the humerus where experimentally measured longitudinal strains are comparable to principal strains. Triple rosette strain gauges were applied at four locations circumferentially on each of two cross sections of interest using a simplified in vitro laboratory preparation. The muscles included the biceps brachii muscle in addition to loaded shoulder muscles that were predicted active by the mathematical model. Strains from the middle grid of each rosette, aligned along the longitudinal axis of the humerus, were compared with calculated principal strain magnitudes and directions. The results indicated that calculating strains solely in the direction of the longitudinal axis is appropriate at six of eight locations. At the cranial and medial aspects of the middle of the diaphysis, the average minimum principal strain was not comparable to the average experimental longitudinal strain. Further analysis at the remaining six locations indicated that the mathematical model formulated in Part I predicts strains within +/-2 standard deviations of experimental strains at four of these locations and predicts negligible strains at the remaining two locations, which is consistent with experimental strains. Experimentally determined longitudinal strains at the middle of the diaphysis of the humerus indicate that tensile strains occur at the cranial aspect and compressive strains occur at the caudal aspect while the horse is standing, which is useful for fracture fixation.

Low-magnitude mechanical signals that stimulate bone formation in the ovariectomized rat are dependent on the applied frequency but not on the strain magnitude

There is growing evidence that extremely small mechanical signals, if applied at a sufficiently high frequency, can serve as anabolic signals to bone tissue. To determine if the responsiveness of bone to low-magnitude, high-frequency parameters is modulated by endocrine imbalance, ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to whole body vibrations (WBV, 0.15 g) at 45 Hz ( n = 6 ) or 90 Hz ( n = 6 ) for 10 min/day, and compared to OVX age-matched controls ( n = 6 ). Five additional rats were used, in vivo, to establish the induced bone surface strain magnitudes (and strain rates). Following a 28 d protocol, bone formation rates in the metaphysis of the proximal tibia were 159% greater in 90 Hz rats when compared to age-matched controls, but 45 Hz rats were not significantly different from controls. Bone morphology of 90 Hz rats indicated significantly greater trabecular bone volume (22% and 25%) and thicker trabeculae (11% and 12%) over either controls or 45 Hz rats in the epiphysis of the distal femur, respectively. Despite the enhanced sensitivity of the skeleton towards the 90 Hz signal, the strain magnitudes and strain rates induced by this frequency were significantly lower than during 45 Hz vibration, suggesting that factors other than matrix strain are driving the anabolic response. Ideally, such mechanical signals represent a non-pharmacologic means of controlling bone mass and morphology in spite of systemic pressures for bone resorption.

Microstructural insight into pedestrian pelvic fracture as assessed by high-resolution computed tomography

Pelvic and femoral neck bone surface strains were recorded in five full-body human cadaver vehicle–pedestrian impacts. Impacts were performed at 40 km/h using automotive front ends constructed to represent those used in previously reported finite element simulations. While experimental kinematics and bone strains closely matched model predictions, observed pelvic fractures did not consistently agree with the model, and could not be solely explained by vehicle geometry. In an attempt to reconcile injury outcome with factors apart from vehicle design, a proxy measure of subject skeletal health was assessed by high-resolution quantitative computed tomography (HRqCT) of the femoral neck. The incidence of hip/pelvis fracture was found to be consistent with low volumetric bone mineral density and low trabecular bone density. This finding lends quantitative support to the notion that healthy trabecular architecture is crucial in withstanding non-physiological impact loads. Furthermore, it is recommended that injury criteria used to assess vehicle safety with regard to pedestrians consider the increased susceptibility of elderly victims to pelvic fracture.

Time series analysis of jaw muscle contraction and tissue deformation during mastication in miniature pigs.

Masticatory muscle contraction causes both jaw movement and tissue deformation during function. Natural chewing data from 25 adult miniature pigs were studied by means of time series analysis. The data set included simultaneous recordings of electromyography (EMG) from bilateral masseter (MA), zygomaticomandibularis (ZM) and lateral pterygoid muscles, bone surface strains from the left squamosal bone (SQ), condylar neck (CD) and mandibular corpus (MD), and linear deformation of the capsule of the jaw joint measured bilaterally using differential variable reluctance transducers. Pairwise comparisons were examined by calculating the cross-correlation functions. Jaw-adductor muscle activity of MA and ZM was found to be highly cross-correlated with CD and SQ strains and weakly with MD strain. No muscle's activity was strongly linked to capsular deformation of the jaw joint, nor were bone strains and capsular deformation tightly linked. Homologous muscle pairs showed the greatest synchronization of signals, but the signals themselves were not significantly more correlated than those of non-homologous muscle pairs. These results suggested that bone strains and capsular deformation are driven by different mechanical regimes. Muscle contraction and ensuing reaction forces are probably responsible for bone strains, whereas capsular deformation is more likely a product of movement.