Temporal evolution of mechanical properties of skeletal tissue regeneration in rabbits. An experimental study

TL;DR

This study develops an experimental model to characterize the temporal evolution of mechanical and structural properties of regenerating skeletal tissue in rabbits, providing data crucial for mathematical modeling of bone regeneration.

Contribution

It introduces an experimental approach to measure mechanical properties of regenerating tissue over time in a rabbit model, enhancing understanding of osteogenesis.

Findings

Viscoelastic properties of regenerating tissue were characterized over time.

Mechanical testing revealed changes in tissue stiffness during healing.

CT and histology confirmed tissue regeneration stages.

Abstract

Various mathematical models represent the effects of local mechanical environment on the regulation of skeletal regeneration. Their relevance relies on an accurate description of the evolving mechanical properties of the regenerating tissue. The object of this study was to develop an experimental model which made it possible to characterize the temporal evolution of the structural and mechanical properties during unloaded enchondral osteogenesis in the New Zealand rabbit, a standard animal model for studies of osteogenesis and chondrogenesis. A 25mm segment of tibial diaphysis was removed sub-periosteally from rabbits. The defect was repaired by the preserved periosteum. An external fixator was applied to prevent mechanical loading during osteogenesis. The regenerated skeletal tissues were studied by CT scan, histology and mechanical tests. The traction tests between 7 to 21 days post-surgery were done on formaldehyde-fixated tissue allowing to obtain force/displacement curves. The viscoelastic properties of the regenerating skeletal tissues were visualized throughout the repair process.