Biomaterial Properties of Pediatric Bone

Researchers at OREC's Motion Analysis Laboratories have conducted studies ranging from the microscopic to macroscopic scale to characterize bone tissue properties in children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). These studies have established much of the known OI bone material property characteristics to date. The work also shows differences in properties among OI phenotypes. The macroscopic work resulted in the development of a validated 3-point test device for extracted surgical specimens. Results included the first measurements of bone material strength in children with OI, confirmed that they were anisotropic, and confirmed that this property is reduced in children with OI vs. typical children of similar age. Micro-computed tomography analysis of specimens has revealed abnormally elevated porosity and negative correlations between vascular porosity and longitudinal bone strength.

 
 
Image showing Cortical Beam Machining, Micro-CT, 3D Image, Finite Element Beam Model
 
Left to Right: Cortical Beam Machining, Micro-CT in 3D, Finite Element Beam Model
 

Selected Publications

Fan, Z., Smith, P.A., Harris G.F., Rauch, F. and Bajorunaite, R. Comparison of Nanoindentation Measurements between Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type III and IV and between different Anatomic Locations (Femur/Tibia vs Iliac Crest). Connective Tissue Research. 48(2):70–75.

Albert C, Jameson J, Toth J, Smith P, Harris G. Bone properties by nanoindentation in mild and severe osteogenesis imperfecta. Clinical Biomechanics. 28(1): 110-6, 2013.

Albert C, Jameson J, Smith P, Harris G. Reduced diaphyseal strength associated with high intracortical vascular porosity within long bones of children with osteogenesis imperfecta. Bone 2014; 66: 121-30.

Shaker, J.L., Albert, C., Fritz, J. and Harris, G. Recent Developments in Osteogenesis Imperfecta. F1000Research 2015, doi: 10.12688/f1000research.6398.1.

Albert, C., Jameson, J., Tarima, S., Smith, P., Harris, G.F. Macroscopic Anisotropic Bone Material Properties in Children with Severe Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Journal of Biomechanics. Vol. 64, 103–111, 2017.

 

 

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