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Partial gravity unloading inhibits bone healing responses in a large animal model
Benjamin C Gadomski1, Kirk C McGilvray1, Jeremiah T Easley2
1Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Journal of Biomechanics
|August 21, 2014
Summary
Space travel reduces bone strength and impairs fracture healing. This study in a large animal model shows partial unloading significantly inhibits bone repair, increasing fracture risk.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Skeletal Biology
- Space Medicine
Background:
- Space travel causes bone loss and weakens skeletal tissue, increasing fracture risk.
- Rodent studies show microgravity negatively impacts bone healing, but translation to humans is limited.
- Large animal models are needed to accurately study human skeletal repair in altered gravity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of partial gravitational unloading on long-bone fracture healing.
- To utilize a large animal Haversian bone model to simulate human skeletal responses.
- To assess the impact of reduced mechanical loading on bone healing parameters.
Main Methods:
- A large animal model with a surgically created long-bone fracture was used.
- Two groups were studied: Partial Unloading (PU) and Full Loading (FL).
- In vivo measurements, DEXA, four-point bending, micro-CT, and histomorphometry were employed to assess healing.
Main Results:
- The PU group exhibited significantly higher orthopedic plate strains, indicating inhibited healing.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) decreased by 17.6% in the PU group.
- The PU group showed 4.4 times lower bending stiffness and reduced bone formation markers compared to the FL group.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical environment critically influences the fracture healing cascade.
- Partial gravitational unloading negatively impacts bone fracture healing in a large animal model.
- Findings suggest potential negative effects on human Haversian system healing during spaceflight.
