Optimal Mechanical Load Promotes Improved Function in Cancellous Bone

Researchers have long sought out answers to the question: how does the mechanical environment affect the growth and formation of bone? Researchers have recently conducted experiments applying mechanical loads to view how cancellous bone reacts. 3 mm and 8 mm in diameter cancellous bone from rabbits were exposed to 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 muepsilon strains 30 minutes every day. Alkaline Phosphatase was detected on the 5th, 14th, and 21st day. The cancellous rabbit bones grew well in the bioreactor with exposure to the mechanical strain with the greatest growth occurring in the bones exposed to the 1,000 - 2,000 muepsilon strain range. This same range experienced increased mechanical properties. All of the models, however, experienced improved function and activity of osteoblasts with correlation to improved tissue structural density.

http://www.biomedical-engineering-online.com/content/pdf/1475-925X-12-35.pdf