Mechanical Loading of Bone


Bone mass is regulated by both mechanical and biochemical stimuli. Like muscles, bones add mass when they are loaded (physical activity) and will lose mass if they are not (immobilisation or time spent at low or zero gravity) [1] Lack of mechanical loading of limbs during development can result in a 30-50% decrease in bone mass and additionally, the affected bone will not achieve the optimal cross-sectional shape. [2]

In 1892, Julius Wolff theorised that the trabeculae trajectory patterns that form at the proximal femur were dictated by mechanical stress patterns and are governed by mathematical laws. Wolff compared his observations to a curved crane model calculated by Swiss engineer Culmann. The Wolff theory concluded that bone adjusts to its structure and adapts to load requirements placed on it. [2]

How do the bone cells detect mechanical load?[edit | edit source]

Osteocytes are the primary mechanosensors of bone that orchestrate the cascade that creates bone mass. Osteocytes are the most abundant cells found in bone (90-95% of all bone cells) and have long dendritic processes to communicate with surrounding cells. When bone is deformed by way of loading, these osteocytes detect the change and send signals to the osteoblasts and osteoclasts to repair and strengthen the bone. The biochemical reaction triggered by these mechanosensitive osteocytes leads to osteogenesis (new bone formation).

Osteocytes exist inside the mineralised matrix of bone called lacunae and travel through the canaliculae channels. As loading increases on the bone, the extracellular fluid is moved through the extracellular space by pressure gradient. This fluid movement exerts a drag force within the pericellular space and the bone walls. The moving fluid also produces a shearing stress on the plasma membrane of the osteocytes.[1]

Bone physiology.

Bone Physiology.jpg

Diminishing returns phenomenon[edit | edit source]

The beneficial effects of mechanical loading on bone mass can be attributed to the sensitivity of bone cells to mechanical stimuli. The cells are responsive to mechanical loading however they can and do adapt over time. The osteogenic response tends to become saturated as the period of loading increases without interruption. A study in 2002 by Robling et. al. found that participants gained more bone mass by breaking up loading sessions into multiple smaller sessions separated by recovery periods compared with those completing all loading in single uninterrupted sessions [3]. Currently this still remains a phenomenon and further research is required. [4]

What does this mean for the Physiotherapist?[edit | edit source]

Further research is needed to better understand the whole process of bone formation regulation. Greater knowledge of the mechanisms that govern the adaptive responses of the bone cells may lead to the development of new strategies towards enhanced bone healing protocols and fracture prevention. The clinical implications for physiotherapists are difficulty in designing optimal bone loss prevention strategies and programs as well as directing the management of conservatively or surgically managed fractures in our patients.[4]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Gusmão CVB de, Belangero WD. HOW DO BONE CELLS SENSE MECHANICAL LOADING? Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia. 2009;44(4):299-305. doi:10.1016/S2255-4971(15)30157-9.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Robling AG, Turner CH. Mechanical Signaling for Bone Modeling and Remodeling. Critical reviews in eukaryotic gene expression. 2009;19(4):319-338.
  3. Klein-Nulend J, Bacabec RG, Bakker AD. Mechanical loading and how it affects bone cells:the role of the osteocyte cytoskeleton in maintaining our skeleton. Eur Cell Mater. 2012;24(24):278-91
  4. 4.0 4.1 Robling AG, Hinant FM, Burr DB, Turner CH. Shorter, more frequent mechanical loading sessions enhance bone mass. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2002;34(2):196-202.