Small Oscillatory Accelerations, Independent of Matrix Deformations, Increase Osteoblast Activity and Enhance Bone Morphology
2007

Small Oscillatory Accelerations Increase Bone Activity

Sample size: 27 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Garman Russell, Rubin Clinton, Judex Stefan

Primary Institution: Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Stony Brook

Hypothesis

The physical acceleration of a cell may present a signal which can transmit physical challenges to a receptive cell population in an efficient and safe manner.

Conclusion

Applying small oscillatory accelerations without weight bearing significantly enhances bone formation and improves bone morphology.

Supporting Evidence

  • Bone formation rates increased by 70% in the tibiae subjected to oscillatory accelerations.
  • Bone volume fraction improved by 17% and connectivity density by 33% in accelerated bones.
  • Trabecular spacing decreased by 6% and structural model index by 11% in the accelerated group.

Takeaway

If you shake a bone gently, it can grow stronger without hurting it, just like how plants grow better with a little wind.

Methodology

The study involved 27 female mice subjected to oscillatory accelerations on one tibia while the other served as a control.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the specific genetic background of the mouse model used.

Limitations

The study was limited to a specific mouse strain and the effects on cortical bone were not significant.

Participant Demographics

Adult female BALB/cByJ mice, 19 weeks old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0000653

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