Correlations between local strains and tissue phenotypes in an experimental model of skeletal healing.

Defining how mechanical cues regulate tissue differentiation during skeletal healing can benefit treatment of orthopaedic injuries and may also provide insight into the influence of the mechanical environment on skeletal development. Different global (i.e.

Mechanical stimulation alters tissue differentiation and molecular expression during bone healing.

Further understanding of how mechanical cues modulate skeletal tissue differentiation can identify potential means of enhancing repair following injury or disease. Prior studies examined the effects of mechanical loading on osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, and fibrogenesis in an effort to enhance bony union. However, exploring how mechanical stimuli can divert the bone healing process towards formation of other mesenchymal tissues, as an endpoint, may elucidate new avenues for repair and regeneration of tissues such as cartilage and fibrous tissue.

Mechanotransduction and fracture repair.

Fracture-healing is regulated in part by mechanical factors. Study of the processes by which the mechanical environment of a fracture modulates healing can yield new strategies for the treatment of bone injuries. This article focuses on several key unanswered questions in the study of mechanotransduction and fracture repair.