The effect of calcification on the structural mechanics of the costal cartilage

Abstract

The costal cartilage often undergoes progressive calcification with age. This study sought to investigate the effects of calcification on the structural mechanics of whole costal cartilage segments. Models were developed for five costal cartilage specimens, including representations of the cartilage, the perichondrium, calcification, and segments of the rib and sternum. The material properties of the cartilage were determined through indentation testing; the properties of the perichondrium were determined through optimisation against structural experiments. The calcified regions were then expanded or shrunk to develop five different sensitivity analysis models for each. Increasing the relative volume of calcification from 0% to 24% of the cartilage volume increased the stiffness of the costal cartilage segments by a factor of 2.3-3.8. These results suggest that calcification may have a substantial effect on the stiffness of the costal cartilage which should be considered when modelling the chest, especially if age is a factor.

Is Periurethral Calcification Associated With Urinary Flow Rate and Symptom Severity in Men With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia? A Retrospective Review

“…1,6-8 Although the etiology of prostatic calcification remains unclear, calcification of the urethra can result in urethral stiffness, similar to other tissues. 9,10 We evaluated the association among prostatic calcification, urinary symptoms, and urinary flow rate, especially focusing on periurethral calcification (PUC).…”

Costal cartilage nasal augmentation rhinoplasty: Study on warping

“…Furthermore, it was recently reported that increasing the relative volume of calcification in CCG from 0% to 24% increased the stiffness of the costal cartilage segments by a factor of 2.3-3.8. [12] These results suggest that calcification may have a substantial effect on the stiffness of the costal cartilage especially when used in high-stress region such as dorsal nasal augmentation.…”

Bracing of pectus carinatum: A quantitative analysis

“…PC has no determined cause, however anatomical differences between healthy and PC individuals have been reported in literature. It is believed that the genesis of PE is due to growth complications of the costal cartilages, the medium of attachment for the ribs to the sternum (Cobben et al, 2014;Forman & Kent, 2014) (Figure 1-3). In response, theories of PC developing due to cartilage overgrowth have been suggested.…”

“…The ribs and sternum are bridged via costal cartilages. Being the primary connections of the ribcage, costal cartilages influence the distribution of applied forces to the chest wall (Forman & Kent, 2014). These forces can originate from internal tasks such as breathing, or external sources such as CPR compressions.…”

“…These forces can originate from internal tasks such as breathing, or external sources such as CPR compressions. The composition of the costal cartilages are primarily identified by three layers: 1) the perichondrium (outer layer), 2) hyaline cartilage (mid layer), and 3) areas of calcified cartilage (Forman & Kent, 2014). The component of costal cartilage that has a significant role in force distribution in the chest wall is the perichondrium, an external layer of closely bundled collagen fibres that have a tendon like appearance and surround the hyaline cartilage interior (Forman, del Pozo de Dios, Dalmases, & Kent, 2010).…”