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Culture of Murine Embryonic Metatarsals: A Physiological Model of Endochondral Ossification
Published on: December 3, 2016
Mechanical stresses and endochondral ossification in the chondroepiphysis
1Veterans Administration Medical Center, Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, Palo Alto, California.
Summary
Mechanical stresses influence bone development. New analysis shows ossification nuclei form in high shear stress areas, not high pressure, supporting theories on stress and cartilage health.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Developmental Biology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Photoelastic studies by Gebhardt and Pauwels investigated mechanical stresses and chondroepiphysis ossification.
- Pauwels theorized ossific nucleus formation occurs at high hydrostatic pressure with zero shear stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate Pauwels's photoelastic model using finite element analysis with realistic boundary conditions.
- To determine the mechanical environment associated with secondary ossific nucleus formation and cartilage maintenance.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) of a historical photoelastic model.
- Application of realistic boundary conditions to simulate physiological loading.
Main Results:
- Pauwels's results were validated, but his boundary conditions were found to be incorrect.
- FEA with realistic conditions revealed high shear (deviatoric) stresses at the ossific nucleus site.
- High shear stresses were also observed at the ossification front, while high hydrostatic compression occurred at the joint surface.
Conclusions:
- The ossific nucleus appears to form in regions of high shear stress, challenging previous theories.
- Shear stress may promote endochondral ossification, while hydrostatic compression may prevent cartilage degeneration.
- Findings support Carter's theory on the role of mechanical stresses in bone development and cartilage health.
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