Trabecular Bone Ontogeny of the Human Distal Tibia

Objectives: There is an increasing understanding of how trabecular bone adapts to biomechanical changes during ontogeny. However, limited research exists regarding the distal tibia, which is important in weight-bearing locomotion as part of the ankle joint. This study aims to document the ontogenetic trabecular patterns of the distal tibia, in addition to changes in its structural heterogeneity.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight distal tibiae, ranging in age from 28 intrauterine weeks to 8 postnatal years, from the Scheuer juvenile skeletal collection were examined. Trabecular bone was analyzed using a quantitative volume of interest approach and qualitative whole bone mapping following microcomputed tomography.

Results: Fetal and perinatal tibia lack mature organization and are associated with high bone volume fraction. During the first year of life, there is a decrease in bone volume fraction and an indication of early re-organization of trabecular struts in the distal tibia. After one year of age, the distal tibia exhibits increased trabecular structural heterogeneity.

Discussion: The trabecular architecture of the fetal and perinatal distal tibia lacks mature organization and instead reflects ossification patterns. At these stages, there is a rapid accumulation of bone mass associated with gestational overproduction, hypothesized to be in preparation for subsequent postnatal changes. During the first year of life there is a decrease in volume fraction, associated with constructive regression. It is postulated this is related to changing biomechanical forces associated with the bipedal gait, in addition to growth demands. After one year of age, the distal tibia exhibits structural heterogeneity with trabecular adaption to accommodate specific bipedal stresses.