Microcrack density and length in the proximal and distal metaphyses of the humerus and radius in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To compare microcrack density and length in the proximal and distal metaphyses of the humerus and radius in dogs.


METHODS
Left humerus and radius from each of 10 dogs of medium to large size.


METHODS
Metaphyseal specimens were bulk stained in 1% basic fuchsin in graded alcohols and embedded in methylmethacrylate. For quantification of fatigue-induced microscopic damage, transverse sections were prepared from proximal and distal metaphyseal regions, and length and density of microcracks were determined, using light microscopy.


RESULTS
Bone region, age, and body weight were not significantly associated with microcrack density or length.


CONCLUSIONS
The hypothesis that fatigue-induced injury (increased microcrack density and length) caused by cyclic loading associated with daily activity is greater in bone regions prone to development of osteosarcoma was not supported by data from this study.
Muir
P
P
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK.
Ruaux-Mason
C P
CP
D000818:Animals; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000737:chemistry; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries*; D015775:Fractures, Stress / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006811:Humerus / Q000473:pathology; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000737:chemistry; D011884:Radius / Q000473:pathology; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes / Q000737:chemistry; D016474:Weight-Bearing
D001843:Bone Cements; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate