09.12.2021

Comparison of antimeric bones to identify asymmetry of loading history

Colloquium by Dr. Antonio Profico

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Time: 9th December, 13:00

Speaker: Dr. Antonio Profico

Title: Comparison of antimeric bones to identify asymmetry of loading history

Abstract:
During life, the distribution of cortical bone is influenced by loading history, and bone remodelling seems to be significantly associated with high-frequency daily action. Side preference leads to asymmetry of loading. Therefore, an asymmetric distribution of cortical thickness between antimeric long bones is expecting to result from this scenario. Despite many case studies based on the analysis of archaeological skeletal material have been published regarding long bone lateralization, only a few of them deal with theoretical aspects regarding the interaction between bone remodelling and mechanical loading. Here, I present preliminary results of the extensive analysis (shape analysis, cross-sectional geometry and cortical thickness mapping) of the tibial diaphysis in Wistar rats in which muscle activation was induced only on the left limb. Cross-sectional geometry parameters and relative cortical thickness distribution successfully discriminate stimulated and unstimulated limbs. Lastly, the use of a multidisciplinary approach in a controlled experimental environment shows the potentiality and limitations in reconstructing past physical behaviour in past human populations from the analysis of the long bone geometric architecture.

If you are interested in joining the Colloquium, please send a mail to monika.dollspam prevention@ifu.uni-tuebingen.de.