The role of mechanical loading histories in the development of diarthrodial joints

The possible role of mechanical loading history in chondroosseous development at the ends of long bones is explored using two-dimensional finite element models of chondroepiphyses. Loading histories are characterized in terms of discrete loading cases defined by joint contact pressure distributions and an associated number of loading cycles. An osteogenic stimulus throughout the chondroepiphyses is calculated following the theory that cyclic octahedral shear stresses promote endochondral ossification and cyclic compressive dilatational stresses inhibit ossification. The resulting distributions for the osteogenic stimulus predict the appearance of the secondary ossific nucleus and the shape of the developing bony epiphysis. The zone of Ranvier and the formation of articular cartilage and the growth plate are also predicted by the models. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that tissue stress histories constitute an important influence during skeletal morphogenesis. Further study and testing of the concepts introduced in this study are appropriate.