Mechanical Bone Strength in Immobilized Osteopenia：An In Vivo Study / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

ABSTRACT

Objective：This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical strength of immobilized osteopenia using a fixed limb rat model.Methods：Eight-week-old specific-pathogen-free male Wistar rats were divided into two groups, a control group (n＝32) and an immobilized group (n＝32). The hind limbs of the immobilized group were fixed using an orthopedic cast, and the fixation periods were set for 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Feeding and weight-bearing were permitted. After each fixation period, the length of the right femoral bone was measured, and three-point bending at the midshaft and uniaxial compression test at the distal metaphysis were performed with a universal material testing apparatus. The maximum force and breaking force in the bending test and ultimate load in the compression test were statistically analyzed.Results：The values of the maximum force and breaking force in the immobilized group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks (p＜0.05). The ultimate load of the distal metaphysis in the immobilized group decreased from 1 week after fixation, and the gap with the control group widened as the fixation period extended.Conclusion：The results of this study indicate that bone weakness caused by immobilized osteopenia arises after 1 week in the metaphysis and after 4 weeks in the midshaft.