Editorial Type:
Bone, Joint, and Cartilage

Fractures in regions of adaptive modeling and remodeling of central tarsal bones in racing Greyhounds

Mary Sarah Bergh Departments of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210.

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 DVM, MS
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Alessandro Piras Oakland Referrals, 55°/b Bridge St, Banbridge, BT323JL, Northern Ireland.

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 Dr Med Vet
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Valerie F. Samii Departments of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210.

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Steven E. Weisbrode Departments of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210.

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Kenneth A. Johnson Departments of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210.

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 MVSc, PhD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.73.3.375
Volume/Issue:
Volume 73: Issue 3
Online Publication Date:
01 Mar 2012
Restricted access
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Abstract

Objective—To evaluate and compare bone modeling and remodeling in fractured and non-fractured central tarsal bones (CTBs) of racing Greyhounds.

Sample—Paired cadaveric tarsi from 6 euthanized racing Greyhounds with right CTB fractures and 6 racing Greyhounds with other nontarsal injuries.

Procedures—CTBs were dissected and fractured CTBs were reconstructed. Central tarsal bones were evaluated through standard and nonscreen high-detail radiography, computed tomography, and histologic examination. The bone mineral density (BMD) was calculated adjacent to fracture planes and as a gradient on sagittal computed tomographic images. Sagittal and transverse plane sections of bone were obtained and submitted for subjective histologic assessment. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare findings.

Results—Fractured right CTBs had greater BMD in the dorsal and midbody regions of the sagittal plane sections than did nonfractured CTBs. The BMD ratios from bone adjacent to the dorsal slab fracture planes were not different between fractured and nonfractured right CTBs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings supported the existence of site-specific bone adaptation in CTBs of Greyhounds, with modeling and remodeling patterns that were unique to fractured right CTBs. The dorsal and midbody regions of fractured bones had greater BMD, and fractures occurred through these zones of increased BMD.

Abstract

Objective—To evaluate and compare bone modeling and remodeling in fractured and non-fractured central tarsal bones (CTBs) of racing Greyhounds.

Sample—Paired cadaveric tarsi from 6 euthanized racing Greyhounds with right CTB fractures and 6 racing Greyhounds with other nontarsal injuries.

Procedures—CTBs were dissected and fractured CTBs were reconstructed. Central tarsal bones were evaluated through standard and nonscreen high-detail radiography, computed tomography, and histologic examination. The bone mineral density (BMD) was calculated adjacent to fracture planes and as a gradient on sagittal computed tomographic images. Sagittal and transverse plane sections of bone were obtained and submitted for subjective histologic assessment. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare findings.

Results—Fractured right CTBs had greater BMD in the dorsal and midbody regions of the sagittal plane sections than did nonfractured CTBs. The BMD ratios from bone adjacent to the dorsal slab fracture planes were not different between fractured and nonfractured right CTBs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings supported the existence of site-specific bone adaptation in CTBs of Greyhounds, with modeling and remodeling patterns that were unique to fractured right CTBs. The dorsal and midbody regions of fractured bones had greater BMD, and fractures occurred through these zones of increased BMD.

Contributor Notes

Dr. Bergh's present address is Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011.

Dr. Johnson's present address is Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

This manuscript represents a portion of a thesis submitted by Dr. Bergh to The Ohio State University as partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Master of Science degree.

Supported by a grant to Dr. Johnson from the AO Research Foundation.

Presented in abstract form at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Veterinary Symposium, San Diego, October 2008.

The authors thank Amy Lehman for statistical consultation and Nancy Weber, Melissa Sama, and Dr. Katy Townsend for technical assistance.

Address correspondence to Dr. Bergh (msbergh@iastate.edu).
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Mar 2012
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