Histomorphometric Study of Growth Plate Subjected to Different Mechanical Conditions (Compression, Tension and Neutralization): An Experimental Study in Lambs Mechanical Growth Plate Behavior

Abstract

SUMMARYWe studied the morphologic effect of low mechanical stresses compression, tension and neutralization) (on the growth cartilage with an external fixator in 18 young lambs. On radiography, we only found more length in the femora subjected to tension (P<0.05). Bony bridges were not present, nor were there signs of altered vascularization or Ranvier's perichondral ring. Histomorphometrically, in the group subjected to tension, the germinative layer in the femur was higher (P<0.001) in the bones that had undergone surgery. The proliferative layer was lower in the operated tibia (P<0.001), and the hypertrophic layer was higher in operated tibias and femora (P<0.001). In the group subjected to compression, the germinative layer in the femora was higher in the operated bones (P<0.05); the proliferative layer of the tibia was lower (P<0.001) and the hypertrophic layer was higher (P<0.001) in both operated bones. In the neutralization group, the proliferative layer of both operated bones presented lower values (P<0.001) and the hyper-trophic layer was higher (P<0.001) than that in the control groups.

Electrical stimulation of the growth plate: A potential approach to an epiphysiodesis

“…In this study, gross measurements of the femoral length demonstrated restricted growth in the HC group, which is evidence of growth inhibition. Histomorphometry is reported also to be an accurate study to confirm delayed growth [Weise et al, 2001], and the measurement of the height of the growth plate or individual cell layer is a good quantitative method [Glickman et al, 2000;Arriola et al, 2001]. Shrinkage of dimension in the whole growth plate was observed in the HC group in this study.…”

Residual periosteum tension is insufficient to directly modulate bone growth

“…Static compression applied to growth plates decreases longitudinal growth rates (Stokes et al, 2005;Bonnel et al, 1983;Wilson-MacDonald et al, 1990). Consistently, static tension increases longitudinal growth rates (Arriola et al, 2001;Stokes et al, 2006Stokes et al, , 2007WilsonMacDonald et al, 1990). The effect of applied stress level is linearly related to the percentage growth modulation (Bonnel et al, 1983;Stokes et al, 2006).…”

“…Extensive data exists to support the hypothesis that mechanics is involved in growth modulation (Stokes et al, 2005;Bonnel et al, 1983;Wilson-MacDonald et al, 1990;Robling et al, 2001;Arriola et al, 2001;Stokes et al, 2006Stokes et al, , 2007. Static compression applied to growth plates decreases longitudinal growth rates (Stokes et al, 2005;Bonnel et al, 1983;Wilson-MacDonald et al, 1990).…”

Chondrocyte injection in distraction epiphysiolysis (rabbit model)

“…This cortex contains canals through which the epiphyseal vessels penetrate, expand into terminal spurs, and nourish the upper zones of the physis. 33 The metaphyseal circulation serves to calcify and ossify the primary spongiosa rather than to nourish the physis. The distinct effect of damage to these two separate epiphyseal and metaphyseal vascular networks has been demonstrated.…”

“…The distinct effect of damage to these two separate epiphyseal and metaphyseal vascular networks has been demonstrated. 33 Metaphyseal ischemia leads to failure of ossification and consequent elongation of cartilage columns until the blood supply is restored. Suppression of the epiphyseal circulation, in contrast, causes an infarction of the physis.…”