Periosteal response in translation-induced bone remodelling

Translation of transplanted bones induces strain in the periosteum and subsequent bone remodelling. This study examines the periosteal response on the leading and trailing sides of translated bones using an in vivo model where internal bone strain is virtually eliminated. Caudal vertebrae from 4 days old rats were threaded onto the arms of pre-stressed helical torsion springs and transplanted subcutaneously. In the experimental rats, the appliances were activated seven days later causing the bones to translate. Tissues were examined both optically and by transmission electron microscopy. A connective tissue sheath or capsule forms around the bones and, as the arms of the appliance move apart, traction on the enveloping soft tissues produces compression of the periosteum on the leading side and tension on the trailing side with remodelling occurring in a direction opposite to translation. The control periosteum has an ordered structure with well-delineated osteogenic, mid- and fibrous zones. During translation the periosteum on the leading side is consistently narrower than on the trailing side and shows a gradual reduction in formative activity followed by resorption in select areas. Cells and fibres are aligned predominantly parallel to the bone surface. Accelerated formation characterises the trailing side during the translation phase with increased activity and widening of all three periosteal layers. The fibrous layer merges with the connective tissue sheath which frequently is oriented approximately perpendicular to the bone surface. The direction of remodelling is reversed when translation ceases with corresponding changes visible in the periosteum, the osteoblastic layer being the last to show changes. A normal periosteal structure and remodelling pattern is regained when equilibrium of the bones within the soft tissues is attained. This study shows that the enveloping soft tissues profoundly influence the nature and rate of bone remodelling. The changes are reflected in the periosteum which functions as an integrated unit modulating the signal transmitted to the osteoblasts which play a key role in events occurring at the bone surface. Changes are not attributable to internal bone strain.