Final published version
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Anticipating bipedalism. / Cunningham, Craig A.; Black, Sue M.
In: Journal of Anatomy, Vol. 214, No. 6, 06.2009, p. 817-829.Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Anticipating bipedalism
AU - Cunningham, Craig A.
AU - Black, Sue M.
PY - 2009/6
Y1 - 2009/6
N2 - Trabecular bone structural organization is considered to be predominantly influenced by localized temporal forces which act to maintain and remodel the trabecular architecture into a biomechanically optimal configuration. In the adult pelvis, the most significant remodelling forces are believed to be those generated during bipedal locomotion. However, during the fetal and neonatal period the pelvic complex is non-weight bearing and, as such, structural organization of iliac trabecular bone cannot reflect direct stance-related forces. In this study, micro-computed tomography scans from 28 neonatal ilia were analysed, using a whole bone approach, to investigate the trabecular characteristics present within specific volumes of interest relevant to density gradients highlighted in a previous radiographic study. Analysis of the structural indices bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, trabecular spacing and trabecular number was carried out to quantitatively investigate structural composition. Quantification of the neonatal trabecular structure reinforced radiographic observations by highlighting regions of significant architectural form which grossly parallel architectural differences in the adult pattern but which have previously been attributed to stance-related forces. It is suggested that the seemingly organized rudimentary scaffold observed in the neonatal ilium may be attributable to other non-weight bearing anatomical interactions or even to a predetermined genetic blueprint. It must also be postulated that whilst the observed patterning may be indicative of a predetermined inherent template, early non-weight bearing and late stance-related locomotive influences may subsequently be superimposed upon this scaffolding and perhaps reinforced and likely remodelled at a later age. Ultimately, the analysis of this fundamental primary pattern has core implications for understanding the earliest changes in pelvic trabecular architecture and provides a baseline insight into future ontogenetic development and bipedal capabilities.
AB - Trabecular bone structural organization is considered to be predominantly influenced by localized temporal forces which act to maintain and remodel the trabecular architecture into a biomechanically optimal configuration. In the adult pelvis, the most significant remodelling forces are believed to be those generated during bipedal locomotion. However, during the fetal and neonatal period the pelvic complex is non-weight bearing and, as such, structural organization of iliac trabecular bone cannot reflect direct stance-related forces. In this study, micro-computed tomography scans from 28 neonatal ilia were analysed, using a whole bone approach, to investigate the trabecular characteristics present within specific volumes of interest relevant to density gradients highlighted in a previous radiographic study. Analysis of the structural indices bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, trabecular spacing and trabecular number was carried out to quantitatively investigate structural composition. Quantification of the neonatal trabecular structure reinforced radiographic observations by highlighting regions of significant architectural form which grossly parallel architectural differences in the adult pattern but which have previously been attributed to stance-related forces. It is suggested that the seemingly organized rudimentary scaffold observed in the neonatal ilium may be attributable to other non-weight bearing anatomical interactions or even to a predetermined genetic blueprint. It must also be postulated that whilst the observed patterning may be indicative of a predetermined inherent template, early non-weight bearing and late stance-related locomotive influences may subsequently be superimposed upon this scaffolding and perhaps reinforced and likely remodelled at a later age. Ultimately, the analysis of this fundamental primary pattern has core implications for understanding the earliest changes in pelvic trabecular architecture and provides a baseline insight into future ontogenetic development and bipedal capabilities.
KW - trabecular architecture
KW - quantitative analysis
KW - ilium
KW - juvenile
KW - micro-computed tomography
KW - MICRO-COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
KW - HUMAN CANCELLOUS BONE
KW - AGE-RELATED-CHANGES
KW - HUMAN GROWTH-PLATE
KW - HISTOLOGICAL SECTIONS
KW - ILIAC CREST
KW - MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES
KW - MORPHOMETRIC-ANALYSIS
KW - OVARIECTOMIZED RATS
KW - SACROILIAC JOINT
U2 - 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2009.01073.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2009.01073.x
M3 - Journal article
VL - 214
SP - 817
EP - 829
JO - Journal of Anatomy
JF - Journal of Anatomy
SN - 0021-8782
IS - 6
ER -