Does a relation between bone histomorphometry and fractures exist? The case of the equine radius and tibia.
Abstract: Fractures of long bones in limbs are rare traumatic events in horses. This study investigates whether the incidence and types of fractures can be related to the histomorphometric features of the radius and tibia, which experience different biomechanical stresses and exhibit varying incidences and types of fractures. Clinical observations suggest that, in adults, slightly transverse and comminuted fractures are present in the radius, while the tibia shows a higher frequency of longitudinal and spiral fractures. Microscopic observations reveal no apparent distinctive characteristics between the radius and tibia, whereas the histomorphometric data highlight differences in the osteon density, eccentricity, and diameters of the osteons and Haversian canals. To sum up, tibial osteons are more numerous and smaller than those in the radius, resulting in a 15% higher total extension of the cement line in the tibia compared to the radius. These histomorphometric differences are an evolutionary adaptation to the different biomechanical stresses that involve the thoracic and pelvic limbs. Our results could help better understand numerous clinical realities detectable through retrospective analyses and aid in evaluating a specific bone's predisposition towards traumatic events in all mammals, including humans.
Copyright: © 2024 Zedda et al.
Publication Date: 2024-09-26 PubMed ID: 39474360PubMed Central: PMC11517812DOI: 10.17221/18/2024-VETMEDGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research aims to understand the relationship between the microscopic structure of bones (histomorphometry) and the incidence and type of fractures using the equine radius and tibia as case studies.
Understanding the Scope of the Study
- The research focuses on horses, particularly investigating the incidence and types of fractures in relation to the histomorphometric aspects of the radius and tibia. These two bones were selected due to their different biomechanical stresses and varying incidences and types of fractures.
Clinical Observations
- The paper begins with clinical observations that state fractures in adult horses typically present as slightly crosswise and splintered in the radius, while the tibia often has longitudinal and spiral fractures.
Microscopic Observations and Histomorphometric Data
- The microscopy showed no noticeable distinctive characteristics between the radius and tibia.
- The histomorphometric data, however, highlighted a difference in osteon density, eccentricity, and size of the osteons and Haversian canals between the two bones.
- The tibia osteons are more numerous and smaller compared to the radius, causing a 15% higher total extension of the cement line in the tibia, which could explain the different types of fractures observed clinically.
Implications of the Study
- The differences in histomorphometric features are considered an evolutionary adaptation to varying biomechanical stresses experienced by the thoracic and pelvic limbs of horses.
- The findings could potentially help clinicians better understand and predict bone fractures by examining the predisposition of specific bones towards certain types of fractures.
- Although the research focuses on horses, the authors suggest that the principles derived could apply to all mammals, including humans, providing an avenue for future research.
Cite This Article
APA
Zedda M, Babosova R, Gadau S, Lepore G, Succu S, Farina V.
(2024).
Does a relation between bone histomorphometry and fractures exist? The case of the equine radius and tibia.
Vet Med (Praha), 69(9), 307-313.
https://doi.org/10.17221/18/2024-VETMED Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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