Localized osteoarticular change due to joint immobilization; biomechanical test and bone densitometry in rat's hind limb model

Abstract

Bone change induced by knee immobilization was assessed on dissected femurs and tibias to clarify the influences upon the mechanical properties and their demands. Fifty-eight Wistar-Imamichi male rats (11–12 weeks old, body weight 350–450 g) were subjected to knee joint immobilization (150° flexed position) on one side while the opposite side served as a control. Animals were killed in seven groups at time intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10 weeks. The hind leg was extirpated and prepared for (1) biomechanical analysis by the indentation method at the articular surfaces of the femoral condyle and head and at the subchondral bone of the proximal tibia, and for (2) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the distal metaphysis of the femur. The biomechanical parameters measured induced dynamic stiffness and phase lag derived from forced oscillation (preload 3 N, cyclic load 2 N and 11 Hz, 35 Hz), and bone mineral density was analyzed. These were compared between the immobilized side and control side, and among the seven time groups. The biomechanical results showed an early change of osteocartilaginous properties at the femoral condyle, a late response at the tibial subchondral bone, and no change at the femoral head. The measurement of bone mineral density revealed that a very sensitive reaction started within 1–2 weeks. This study provides objective data demonstrating that disuse or lack of mechanical stress greatly affects the remodeling activity for homeostasis of joints, and dramatically impairs normal bone mineral density next to the immobilized joint in young animals.