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Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 103-B, Issue SUPP_3 | Pages 30 - 30
1 Mar 2021
Gerges M Eng H Chhina H Cooper A
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Bone age is a radiographical assessment used in pediatric medicine due to its relative objectivity in determining biological maturity compared to chronological age and size.1 Currently, Greulich and Pyle (GP) is one of the most common methods used to determine bone age from hand radiographs.2–4 In recent years, new methods were developed to increase the efficiency in bone age analysis like the shorthand bone age (SBA) and the automated artificial intelligence algorithms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of these two methods and examine if the reduction in analysis time compromises their accuracy. Two hundred thirteen males and 213 females were selected. Each participant had their bone age determined by two separate raters using the GP (M1) and SBA methods (M2). Three weeks later, the two raters repeated the analysis of the radiographs. The raters timed themselves using an online stopwatch while analyzing the radiograph on a computer screen. De-identified radiographs were securely uploaded to an automated algorithm developed by a group of radiologists in Toronto. The gold standard was determined to be the radiology report attached to each radiograph, written by experienced radiologists using GP (M1). For intra-rater variability, intraclass correlation analysis between trial 1 (T1) and trial 2 (T2) for each rater and method was performed. For inter-rater variability, intraclass correlation was performed between rater 1 (R1) and rater 2 (R2) for each method and trial. Intraclass correlation between each method and the gold standard fell within the 0.8–0.9 range, highlighting significant agreement. Most of the comparisons showed a statistically significant difference between the two new methods and the gold standard; however it may not be clinically significant as it ranges between 0.25–0.5 years. A bone age is considered clinically abnormal if it falls outside 2 standard deviations of the chronological age; standard deviations are calculated and provided in GP atlas.6–8 For a 10-year old female, 2 standard deviations constitute 21.6 months which far outweighs the difference reported here between SBA, automated algorithm and the gold standard. The median time for completion using the GP method was 21.83 seconds for rater 1 and 9.30 seconds for rater 2. In comparison, SBA required a median time of 7 seconds for rater 1 and 5 seconds for rater 2. The automated method had no time restraint as bone age was determined immediately upon radiograph upload. The correlation between the two trials in each method and rater (i.e. R1M1T1 vs R1M1T2) was excellent (κ= 0.9–1) confirming the reliability of the two new methods. Similarly, the correlation between the two raters in each method and trial (i.e. R1M1T1 vs R2M1T1) fell within the 0.9–1 range. This indicates a limited variability between raters who may use these two methods. The shorthand bone age method and an artificial intelligence automated algorithm produced values that are in agreement with the gold standard Greulich and Pyle, while reducing analysis time and maintaining a high inter-rater and intra-rater reliability


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 90-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 237 - 238
1 Jul 2008
SEMPÉ M BÉRARD J CHOTEL F CRAVIARI T
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Purpose of the study: Determining bone age at the wrist is not an easy task and can be a source of error. We elaborated a method for determining bone age at the elbow using an analysis of bone maturation at this localization. Material and methods: The method finetunes the Sauvegrain method and is based on more than ten years of data for the analysis of more than 3600 x-rays. Bone maturation evolves from 0% at birth to 100% marking the end of growth. We propose a digital system for drawing the growth curve from 50% to 100% bone maturation as a function of chronological age. This curve gives the distribution of bone age around the median for each gender. Fifty percent maturation corresponds to onset of adolescence and can be used to define onset of puberty before any other clinical sign; 100% bone maturation corresponds to maximal growth or stature. Specific bone landmarks are used and the method for calculating bone age is presented. Results: It is interesting that a shift of one year or more between bone age calculated at the elbow and that calculated from the wrist. This observation was frequent and suggests that bone age determined at the elbow gives a better reflection of limb maturation. In addition, regular use of this method in daily practice confirmed its usefulness, reliability, and inter- and intra-observer reproducibility. Conclusion: This is a reliable simple method for determining bone maturation. It is easier to use than the wrist method and probably better reflects bone maturation of the limbs


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 90-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 336 - 336
1 Jul 2008
Gorva A Metcalfe J Rajan R Jones S Fernandes J
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Introduction: Prophylactic pinning of an asymptomatic hip in SCFE is controversial. Bone age has been used as evidence of future contralateral slip risk and used as an indication for such intervention. The efficacy of bone age assessment at predicting contralateral slip was tested in this study. Patients and Methods: 18 Caucasian children prospectively had bone age assessment using wrist and hand x-rays when presenting with a unilateral SCFE. Patients and parents were informed about the chance of con-tralateral slip and risks of prophylactic fixation, and advised to attend hospital immediately on development of symptoms in contralateral hip. After in-situ fixation of the affected side prospective monitoring in outpatient department was performed. Surgical intervention was undertaken if the contralateral hip was symptomatic. Results: Three children (2 boys) went on to develop to a contralateral slip at a mean of 20 months from initial presentation. 6 children (5 boys) were deemed at risk of contralateral slip due to a bone age below 12.5 years for boys and 10.5 for girls. Only one from this group developed a contralateral slip. The relative risk of proceeding to contralateral slip when the bone age is below the designated values was 1 (95% confidence interval of 0.1118 to 8.95). The sensitivity and specificity were 33% and 66% respectively. With positive predictive value of 15% and diagnostic efficiency of 61%. Conclusion: Delayed bone age by itself is not a good predictor of future contralateral slip at initial presentation. Routine prophylactic pinning is not justified based on bone age alone, with the risks of surgical fixation it carries. Prospective long term longitudinal study is required


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 88-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 434 - 435
1 Oct 2006
Gorva AD Metcalfe J Rajan R Jones S Fernandes JA
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Introduction: Prophylactic pinning of an asymptomatic hip in SCFE is controversial. Bone age has been used as evidence of future contralateral slip risk and used as an indication for such intervention. The efficacy of bone age assessment at predicting contralateral slip was tested in this study. Patients and Methods: 18 Caucasian children prospectively had bone age assessment using wrist and hand x-rays when presenting with a unilateral SCFE. Patients and parents were informed about the chance of contralateral slip and risks of prophylactic fixation, and advised to attend hospital immediately on development of symptoms in contralateral hip. After in-situ fixation of the affected side prospective monitoring in outpatient department was performed. Surgical intervention was undertaken if the contralateral hip was symptomatic. Results: Three children (2 boys) went on to develop to a contralateral slip at a mean of 20 months from initial presentation. 6 children (5 boys) were deemed at risk of contralateral slip due to a bone age below 12.5 years for boys and 10.5 for girls. Only one from this group developed a contralateral slip. The relative risk of proceeding to contralateral slip when the bone age is below the designated values was 1 (95% confidence interval of 0.1118 to 8.95). Conclusion: Delayed bone age by itself is not a good predictor of future contralateral slip at initial presentation. Routine prophylactic pinning is not justified based on bone age alone, with the risks of surgical fixation it carries. Prospective long term longitudinal study is required


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 90-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 389 - 389
1 Jul 2008
Gorva A Metcalfe J Rajan R Jones S Fernandes J
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Introduction: Prophylactic pinning of an asymptomatic hip in SCFE is controversial. Bone age has been used as evidence of future contralateral slip risk and used as an indication for such intervention. The efficacy of bone age assessment at predicting contralateral slip was tested in this study. Patients and Methods: 18 Caucasian children prospectively had bone age assessment using wrist and hand x-rays when presenting with a unilateral SCFE. Patients and parents were informed about the chance of con-tralateral slip and risks of prophylactic fixation, and advised to attend hospital immediately on development of symptoms in contralateral hip. After in-situ fixation of the affected side prospective monitoring in outpatient department was performed. Surgical intervention was undertaken if the contralateral hip was symptomatic. Results: Three children (2 boys) went on to develop to a contralateral slip at a mean of 20 months from initial presentation. 6 children (5 boys) were deemed at risk of contralateral slip due to a bone age below 12.5 years for boys and 10.5 for girls. Only one from this group developed a contralateral slip. The relative risk of proceeding to contralateral slip when the bone age is below the designated values was 1 (95% confidence interval of 0.1118 to 8.95). The sensitivity and specificity were 33% and 66% respectively. With positive predictive value of 15% and diagnostic efficiency of 61%. Conclusion: Delayed bone age by itself is not a good predictor of future contralateral slip at initial presentation. Routine prophylactic pinning is not justified based on bone age alone, with the risks of surgical fixation it carries. Prospective long term longitudinal study is required


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 85-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 265 - 265
1 Mar 2003
Plasschaert F Bouwen L Andrews R Patrick J Evans G
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A chance observation of asymmetrical bone ages in a child with spastic hemiplegia stimulated a prospective gathering of bilateral hand radiographs in 33 hemiplegic patients, and on a single occasion in a control group of 23 patients with leg length discrepancy in the absence of neurological disorder. The bone age assessments according to Greulich and Pyle, which by convention has used the left hand only, were done by a single expert observer blinded to the clinical details. 13 hemiplegic patients (39%) had delayed bone ages of 6 months or more. When present it was always delayed on the hemiplegic side. The mean delay for the whole group was 2.5 months, whereas there was no mean difference in the control group (p = 0.001). The oldest bone age with asymmetry was 14.5 years in males and 12 years in females, indicating that when present the delay “catches up” in the last 2-3 years of growth. In hemiplegia the percentage leg length discrepancy also tends to decrease during later growth, and after 80% of growth the hemiplegic side outgrows the normal leg by a mean of 0.3cm/year. No correlation could be found between the delay of bone age and the severity of either the neurological abnormality or the actual discrepancy of length. The implications for clinical management will be discussed


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 335 - 335
1 May 2010
Pareja J Pizones J Fernandez-Camacho F Belda S Parra J
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Objectives: Nowadays estimating paediatric bone age is done using methods based on standards from the 50’s and 70’s. These methods are often difficult to perform, they require experience in the analysis of multiple bones and are based on subjective measures. Many times, the age calculated stands within a wide range of age interval. We investigate a new method based on AP foot X-rays. Material and Methods: 971 radiographs taken from 220 paediatric patients (0–18 years old) were analyzed. 34 different ratios were designed by measuring ossification centres of the bones of the first and second foot rays. These ratios were statistically studied searching for the relation with variables as gender, laterality, foot pathology and forefoot formulae. Finally, regression lines and curves from each ratio were calculated as well as their correlation with chronological age. Results: The best suited correlations are obtained with the ratios calculated from the epiphysis of the proximal phalange of the first and second toes. With them, multiple regression analysis is able to establish an equation that estimates bone age, with a chronological age correlation of 0,86 for general population, 0,85 for boys and 0,90 for girls (p< 0,01). It is applicable for either feet, and valid for every forefoot formula or pathologic feet. Conclusions: This new method is designed to estimate bone age in children using either plain radiographs or digital images. The method is objective, precise, universal and easy to calculate. It proves a good correlation in children between 1 and 13 years old. It is based on a modern population and adjusted with lineal regression equations to both genders


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 6 | Pages 755 - 761
1 Jun 2015
Flatøy B Röhrl SM Rydinge J Dahl J Diep LM Nordsletten L

Cemented femoral stems with force closed fixation designs have shown good clinical results despite high early subsidence. A new triple-tapered stem in this category (C-stem AMT) was introduced in 2005. This study compares this new stem with an established stem of similar design (Exeter) in terms of migration (as measured using radiostereometric analysis), peri-prosthetic bone remodelling (measured using dual energy x-ray densitometry, DXA), Oxford Hip Score, and plain radiographs. . A total of 70 patients (70 hips) with a mean age of 66 years (53 to 78) were followed for two years. Owing to missing data of miscellaneous reasons, the final analysis represents data from 51 (RSA) and 65 (DXA) patients. Both stems showed a typical pattern of migration: Subsidence and retroversion that primarily occurred during the first three months. C-stem AMT subsided less during the first three months (p = 0.01), before stabilising at a subsidence rate similar to the Exeter stem from years one to two. The rate of migration into retroversion was slightly higher for C-stem AMT during the second year (p = 0.03). Whilst there were slight differences in movement patterns between the stems, the C-stem AMT exhibits good early clinical outcomes and displays a pattern of migration and bone remodelling that predicts good clinical performance. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:755–61


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 85-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 22 - 22
1 Jan 2003
Kobanawa K Arai Y Tsuji T Takahashi M Morinaga S Yasuma M Sugamori T Kurosawa H
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We assessed the Japanese specific bone age standard with Tanner-Whitehouse 2 (TW2) method for the evaluation of skeletal maturity in adolescent scoliosis. TW2 bone age was investigated by the left hand-wrist X-rays of 120 girls with adolescent scoliosis. Their chronological age ranged from 10.2 to 19.0 years. Because Risser’s sign is uncertain between Risser IV and V, for comparison of TW2 bone age with Risser’s sign, we classified apophyses that with an apparent narrowing of cartilage and that with a partial fusion as the later of Risser IV. In addition, clinical courses of the skeletal matured cases (adult bones) in 6 months before investigation were reviewed retrospectively. Even or less than 5 degrees change of Cobb’s angle was evaluated as unchanged. Furthermore, bone age distribution of immature cases was also reviewed for comparision of the unchanged group with the progressive group. None was evaluated as adult bone in the stage from Risser 0 to III. The rate of adult bone which was shown in Risser IV was 43.5%, but 88.9% was in the later of IV. 95.8% of Risser V was already adult bone. Moreover, 93.1% of adult bone was unchanged in their clinical courses. Remaining 4 cases (6.9%) was progressive, but had not progressed in the following 6 months. Bone ages of the progressive immature group distributed in the range from 11.7 to 13.9 years. Those of the unchanged immature group distributed mainly over 13.1 years. Although it is necessary to follow the immature longitudinally, adult bone appeared almost in the later of Risser IV, and appeared earlier than Risser V. And Cobb’s angle may become unchanged before adult bone. At least adult bone would be an indicator between Risser IV and V


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 9 | Pages 362 - 369
1 Sep 2016
Oba M Inaba Y Kobayashi N Ike H Tezuka T Saito T

Objectives. In total hip arthroplasty (THA), the cementless, tapered-wedge stem design contributes to achieving initial stability and providing optimal load transfer in the proximal femur. However, loading conditions on the femur following THA are also influenced by femoral structure. Therefore, we determined the effects of tapered-wedge stems on the load distribution of the femur using subject-specific finite element models of femurs with various canal shapes. Patients and Methods. We studied 20 femurs, including seven champagne flute-type femurs, five stovepipe-type femurs, and eight intermediate-type femurs, in patients who had undergone cementless THA using the Accolade TMZF stem at our institution. Subject–specific finite element (FE) models of pre- and post-operative femurs with stems were constructed and used to perform FE analyses (FEAs) to simulate single-leg stance. FEA predictions were compared with changes in bone mineral density (BMD) measured for each patient during the first post-operative year. Results. Stovepipe models implanted with large-size stems had significantly lower equivalent stress on the proximal-medial area of the femur compared with champagne-flute and intermediate models, with a significant loss of BMD in the corresponding area at one year post-operatively. Conclusions. The stovepipe femurs required a large-size stem to obtain an optimal fit of the stem. The FEA result and post-operative BMD change of the femur suggest that the combination of a large-size Accolade TMZF stem and stovepipe femur may be associated with proximal stress shielding. Cite this article: M. Oba, Y. Inaba, N. Kobayashi, H. Ike, T. Tezuka, T. Saito. Effect of femoral canal shape on mechanical stress distribution and adaptive bone remodelling around a cementless tapered-wedge stem. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:362–369. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.2000525


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 77-B, Issue 5 | Pages 815 - 819
1 Sep 1995
Cohen B Rushton N

We measured bone mineral density (BMD) in the proximal femur by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in 20 patients after cemented total hip arthroplasty over a period of one year. We found a statistically significant reduction in periprosthetic BMD after six months on the medial side and on the lateral side adjacent to the mid and distal thirds of the prosthesis. At one year after operation there was a mean 6.7% reduction in BMD in the region of the calcar and a mean 5.3% increase in BMD in the femoral shaft distal to the tip of the implant. These changes reflect a pattern of reduced stress in the proximal femur and increased stress around the tip of the prosthesis. They support current concepts of bone remodelling in the proximal femur in response to prosthetic implantation


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 88-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 436 - 436
1 Oct 2006
Rajan RA Metcalfe J Konstantoulakis C Jones S Sprigg A
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Introduction: The assessment of bone age using the standard Gruel and Pyle chart based on hand and wrist radiographs is usually carried out by Senior Radiologists. We performed a study to look at both intra and inter observer variability with different grades of clinicians. Materials and Methods: 30 sets of wrist radiographs were selected at random. The investigators included a Senior Radiographer, a Consultant and Registrar Radiologist an Orthopaedic Consultant and Senior Orthopaedic Fellow. Discussion: The Radiology team appear to be more consistent in their readings for the assessment of skeletal bone age than the Orthopaedic team. Howevr, it is interesting to note that although the Orthopaedic team are less consistent, when looking at the inter-observer variability, it suggests that both teams are equally well equipped to perform the task. Conclusion: Our study suggests that we should not cross professional boundaries. Render unto Caeser what is Ceaser’s!


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 82-B, Issue 1 | Pages 120 - 125
1 Jan 2000
Lan F Wunder JS Griffin AM Davis AM Bell RS White LM Ichise M Cole W

We used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to evaluate the extent of periprosthetic bone remodelling around a prosthesis for distal femoral reconstruction, the Kotz modular femoral tibial replacement (KMFTR; Howmedica, Rutherford, New Jersey). A total of 23 patients was entered into the study which had four parts: 1) 17 patients were scanned three times on both the implant and contralateral legs to determine whether the precision of DEXA measurements was adequate to estimate bone loss surrounding the anchorage piece of the KMFTR; 2) in 23 patients the bone mineral density (BMD) in different regions of interest surrounding the diaphyseal anchorage was compared with that of the contralateral femur at the same location to test whether there was consistent evidence of loss of BMD adjacent to the prosthetic stem; 3) in 12 patients sequential studies were performed about one year apart to compare bone loss; and 4) bone loss was compared in ten patients with implants fixed by three screws and in 13 without screws. The mean coefficients of variation (SD/mean) for the 17 sets of repeated scans ranged from 2.9% to 7.8% at different regions of interest in the KMFTR leg and from 1.4% to 2.5% in the contralateral leg. BMD was decreased in the KMFTR leg relative to the contralateral limb and the percentage of BMD loss in general increased as the region of interest moved distally in the femur. Studies done after one year showed no consistent pattern of progressive bone loss between the two measurements. The ten patients with implants fixed by screws were found to have a mean loss of BMD of 42% in the most distal part of the femur, while the 13 without screw fixation had a mean loss of 11%. DEXA was shown to have adequate precision to evaluate loss of BMD around the KMFTR. This was evident relative to the contralateral leg in all patients and generally increased in the most distal part of the femur. In general, it stabilised between two measurements taken one year apart and was greater surrounding implants fixed by cross-locking screws


Aims

The aim of this study was to review the current evidence surrounding curve type and morphology on curve progression risk in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted by two independent reviewers on PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science to obtain all published information on morphological predictors of AIS progression. Search items included ‘adolescent idiopathic scoliosis’, ‘progression’, and ‘imaging’. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were carefully defined. Risk of bias of studies was assessed with the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool, and level of evidence for each predictor was rated with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. In all, 6,286 publications were identified with 3,598 being subjected to secondary scrutiny. Ultimately, 26 publications (25 datasets) were included in this review.


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 88-B, Issue 4 | Pages 455 - 459
1 Apr 2006
Shetty NR Hamer AJ Kerry RM Stockley I Eastell R Wilkinson JM

The aims of this study were to examine the repeatability of measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) around a cemented polyethylene Charnley acetabular component using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and to determine the longitudinal pattern of change in BMD during the first 24 months after surgery.

The precision of measurements of BMD in 19 subjects ranged from 7.7% to 10.8% between regions, using a four-region-of-interest model. A longitudinal study of 27 patients demonstrated a transient decrease in net pelvic BMD during the first 12 months, which recovered to baseline at 24 months. The BMD in the region medial to the dome of the component reduced by between 7% and 10% during the first three months, but recovered to approximately baseline values by two years.

Changes in BMD in the pelvis around cemented acetabular components may be measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Bone loss after insertion of a cemented Charnley acetabular component is small, transient and occurs mainly at the medial wall of the acetabulum. After two years, bone mass returns to baseline values, with a pattern suggesting a uniform transmission of load to the acetabulum.


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 83-B, Issue 1 | Pages 118 - 123
1 Jan 2001
Coathup MJ Blunn GW Flynn N Williams C Thomas NP

We investigated the implant-bone interface around one design of femoral stem, proximally coated with either a plasma-sprayed porous coating (plain porous) or a hydroxyapatite porous coating (porous HA), or which had been grit-blasted (Interlok). Of 165 patients implanted with a Bimetric hip hemiarthroplasty (Biomet, Bridgend, UK) specimens were retrieved from 58 at post-mortem.

We estimated ingrowth and attachment of bone to the surface of the implant in 21 of these, eight plain porous, seven porous HA and six Interlok, using image analysis and light morphometric techniques. The amount of HA coating was also quantified.

There was significantly more ingrowth (p = 0.012) and attachment of bone (p > 0.05) to the porous HA surface (mean bone ingrowth 29.093 ± 2.019%; mean bone attachment 37.287 ± 2.489%) than to the plain porous surface (mean bone ingrowth 21.762 ± 2.068%; mean bone attachment 18.9411 ± 1.971%). There was no significant difference in attachment between the plain porous and Interlok surfaces. Bone grew more evenly over the surface of the HA coating whereas on the porous surface, bone ingrowth and attachment occurred more on the distal and medial parts of the coated surface. No significant differences in the volume of HA were found with the passage of time.

This study shows that HA coating increases the amount of ingrowth and attachment of bone and leads to a more even distribution of bone over the surface of the implant. This may have implications in reducing stress shielding and limiting osteolysis induced by wear particles.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 106-B, Issue SUPP_1 | Pages 123 - 123
2 Jan 2024
Hofmann S
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Metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and osteopetrosis, result from an imbalanced bone remodeling process. In vitro bone models are often used to investigate either bone formation or resorption independently, while in vivo, these processes are coupled. Combining these processes in a co-culture is challenging as it requires finding the right medium components to stimulate each cell type involved without interfering with the other cell type's differentiation. Furthermore, differentiation stimulating factors often comprise growth factors in supraphysiological concentrations, which can overshadow the cell-mediated crosstalk and coupling. To address these challenges, we aimed to recreate the physiological bone remodeling process, which follows a specific sequence of events starting with cell activation and bone resorption by osteoclasts, reversal, followed by bone formation by osteoblasts. We used a mineralized silk fibroin scaffold as a bone-mimetic template, inspired by bone's extracellular matrix composition and organization. Our model supported osteoclastic resorption and osteoblastic mineralization in the specific sequence that represents physiological bone remodeling. We also demonstrated how culture variables, such as different cell ratios, base media, and the use of osteogenic/osteoclast supplements, and the application of mechanical load, can be adjusted to represent either a high bone turnover system or a self-regulating system. The latter system did not require the addition of osteoclastic and osteogenic differentiation factors for remodeling, therefore avoiding growth factor use. Our in vitro model for bone remodeling has the potential to reduce animal experiments and advance in vitro drug development for bone remodeling pathologies like osteoporosis. By recreating the physiological bone remodeling cycle, we can investigate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, which are essential for understanding bone physiology and pathology. Furthermore, by tuning the culture variables, we can investigate bone remodeling under various conditions, potentially providing insights into the mechanisms underlying different bone disorders


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 105-B, Issue SUPP_16 | Pages 26 - 26
17 Nov 2023
Zou Z Cheong VS Fromme P
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Abstract. Objectives. Young patients receiving metallic bone implants after surgical resection of bone cancer require implants that last into adulthood, and ideally life-long. Porous implants with similar stiffness to bone can promote bone ingrowth and thus beneficial clinical outcomes. A mechanical remodelling stimulus, strain energy density (SED), is thought to be the primary control variable of the process of bone growth into porous implants. The sequential process of bone growth needs to be taken into account to develop an accurate and validated bone remodelling algorithm, which can be employed to improve porous implant design and achieve better clinical outcomes. Methods. A bone remodelling algorithm was developed, incorporating the concept of bone connectivity (sequential growth of bone from existing bone) to make the algorithm more physiologically relevant. The algorithm includes adaptive elastic modulus based on apparent bone density, using a node-based model to simulate local remodelling variations while alleviating numerical checkerboard problems. Strain energy density (SED) incorporating stress and strain effects in all directions was used as the primary stimulus for bone remodelling. The simulations were developed to run in MATLAB interfacing with the commercial FEA software ABAQUS and Python. The algorithm was applied to predict bone ingrowth into a porous implant for comparison against data from a sheep model. Results. The accuracy of the predicted bone remodelling was verified for standard loading cases (bending, torsion) against analytical calculations. Good convergence was achieved. The algorithm predicted good bone remodelling and growth into the investigated porous implant. Using the standard algorithm without connectivity, bone started to remodel at locations unconnected to any bone, which is physiologically implausible. The implementation of bone connectivity ensures the gradual process of bone growth into the implant pores from the sides. The bone connectivity algorithm predicted that the full remodelling required more time (approximately 50% longer), which should be considered when developing post-surgical rehabilitation strategies for patients. Both algorithms with and without bone connectivity implementation converged to same final stiffness (less than 0.01% difference). Almost all nodes reached the same density value, with only a limited number of nodes (less than 1%) in transition areas with a strong density gradient having noticeable differences. Conclusions. An improved bone remodelling algorithm based on strain energy density that modelled the sequential process of bone growth has been developed and tested. For a porous metallic bone implant the same final bone density distribution as for the original adaptive elasticity theory was predicted, with a slower and more fidelic process of growth from existing surrounding bone into the porous implant. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 12, Issue 9 | Pages 536 - 545
8 Sep 2023
Luo P Yuan Q Yang M Wan X Xu P

Osteoarthritis (OA) is mainly caused by ageing, strain, trauma, and congenital joint abnormalities, resulting in articular cartilage degeneration. During the pathogenesis of OA, the changes in subchondral bone (SB) are not only secondary manifestations of OA, but also an active part of the disease, and are closely associated with the severity of OA. In different stages of OA, there were microstructural changes in SB. Osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts in SB are important in the pathogenesis of OA. The signal transduction mechanism in SB is necessary to maintain the balance of a stable phenotype, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, and bone remodelling between articular cartilage and SB. An imbalance in signal transduction can lead to reduced cartilage quality and SB thickening, which leads to the progression of OA. By understanding changes in SB in OA, researchers are exploring drugs that can regulate these changes, which will help to provide new ideas for the treatment of OA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(9):536–545


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 103-B, Issue SUPP_13 | Pages 93 - 93
1 Nov 2021
Schiavi J Remo A McNamara L Vaughan T
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Introduction and Objective. Bone remodelling is a continuous process whereby osteocytes regulate the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts to repair loading-induced microdamage. While many in vitro studies have established the role of paracrine factors (e.g., RANKL/OPG) and cellular pathways involved in bone homeostasis, these techniques are generally limited to two-dimensional cell culture, which neglects the role of the native extracellular matrix in maintaining the phenotype of osteocyte. Recently, ex vivo models have been used to understand cell physiology and mechanobiology in the presence of the native matrix. Such approaches could be applicable to study the mechanisms of bone repair, whilst also enabling exploration of biomechanical cues. However, to date an ex vivo model of bone remodelling in cortical bone has not been developed. In this study, the objective was to develop an ex vivo model where cortical bone was subjected to cyclic strains to study the remodelling of bone. Materials and Methods. Ex vivo model of bone remodelling induced by cyclic loading: At the day of culling, beam-shape bovine bone samples were cut and preserved in PBS + 5% Pen/Strep + 2 mM L-Glut overnight at 37°C. Cyclic strains were applied with a three-point bend system to induce damage with a regime at 16.66 mm/min for 5,000 cycles in sterile PBS in Evolve® bags (maximum strain 6%). A control group was cultured under static conditions. Metabolic activity: Alamar Blue assays were performed after 1 and 7 days of ex vivo culture for each group (Static, Loaded) and normalized to weight. Bone remodelling: ALP activity was assessed in the media at day 1 and 7. After 24 hours cell culture conditioned media (CM) was collected from each group and stored at −80°C. RAW264.7 cells were cultured with CM for 6 days, after which the samples were stained for TRAP, to determine osteoclastogenesis, and imaged. Histomorphometry: Samples were cultured with calcein for 3 days to label bone formation between day 4 and 7. Fluorescent images were captured at day 7. μCT scanning was performed at 3 μm resolution after labelling samples with BaSO. 4. precipitate to quantify bone damage. Results. Bone was sectioned and cultured to maintain live osteoblasts and osteocytes. CM that was obtained 24 hours after cyclic loading and added to RAW264.7 cells cultures, resulted in significantly increased osteoclastogenic potential compared to that from static samples (4.245±1.65% vs 0.88±0.48%, p<0.001). Calcein and HE staining indicated the presence of structures similar to bone remodelling cones in both groups after 7 days of culture. Also, 7 days post-loading, matrix microdamage in the stimulated area, detected with the BaSO. 4. precipitate, were not significantly increased under the load point in loaded samples (0.11±0.05% of bone volume), while at the support areas it was significantly higher (0.2387±0.06%, p<0.001) compared to the static (0.062±0.02%). Conclusions. This study demonstrates that (1) cyclic strains applied on ex vivo bovine cortical bone successfully induced remodelling as characterized by the formation of bone resorption cones, along with an increase of osteoclast formation, and (2) there was an induction of microdamage post loading as shown by the significant increases in microdamage labelled. This supports previous in vivo studies with an increase in osteoclastogenesis up to 7 days post loading. This is the first evidence of the development of an ex vivo model to study osteon remodelling that could be applied to study bone physiology and repair