Temporal and spatial changes in bone accrual, density, and strain energy density in growing foals.

In this study, we acquired computed tomography scans of three Standardbred trotting colts longitudinally between 2 and 12 months of age. Finite-element models were constructed of the left forelimb proximal phalanx and used to assess strain energy density during quiet standing. Growth related changes in mineral density and bone area fraction in the distal epiphysis, mid-diaphysis, and proximal epiphysis were evaluated. Mineral density and bone area fraction uniformly increased in the diaphysis and strain energy density was constant during growth, indicating adaptation to quiet standing. Bone mineral density and bone area fraction increased in the medial quadrant of the proximal epiphysis but not in the fracture-prone lateral quadrant. The data presented provides a benchmark of normal growth trajectories that can be used to evaluate the effect of training regimens during growth. PMID: 32090959 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials - Category: Materials Science Authors: Tags: J Mech Behav Biomed Mater Source Type: research