Influence of growth plate morphology on bone trabecular groups, a framework computational approach

The morpholog of the growth plate undergoes various transformations during each stage of development, affecting its shape, width, density, and other characteristics. This significantly impacts the distribution of stress in the epiphysis of long bones. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to examine the relationship between growth plate morphology and trabecular bone patterns. Our analysis was conducted using a finite element model and we analyzed two medical cases: trabecular patterns in the femoral epiphysis and the calcaneus bone. Our findings revealed a correlation between the formation of main trabecular groups and growth plate morphology. We investigated how an increased density in high-shear stress zones, which are typically located at the periphery of the growth plate, may occur to prevent failure by shear. This is evident in cases such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis or sever's disease, different simulations align with the clinical data available in the literature from a qualitative and quantitative point of view. Our results suggest that further research should focus on understanding the impact of growth plate morphology on bone remodeling and exploring potential preventive measures for different bone disorders.

Automated summary

The morphology of the growth plate undergoes transformations throughout development, affecting stress distribution in long bone epiphysis. This study is the first attempt to explore the relationship between growth plate morphology and trabecular bone patterns. Finite element model analysis of two medical cases revealed a correlation between main trabecular groups and growth plate morphology. Our findings align qualitatively and quantitatively with clinical data on slipped capital femoral epiphysis and sever's disease, suggesting further research on growth plate morphology's impact on bone remodeling and preventive measures for bone disorders.