Common cellular origin and diverging developmental programs for different sesamoid bones.

Sesamoid bones are small auxiliary bones that form near joints and contribute to their stability and function. Thus far, providing a comprehensive developmental model or classification system for this highly diverse group of bones has been challenging. Here, we compare our previously reported mechanisms of patella development in the mouse with those of two anatomically different sesamoids, namely lateral fabella and digit sesamoids. We show that all three types of sesamoid bones originate from Sox9+ /Scx+ progenitors under the regulation of TGFß and independently of mechanical stimuli from muscles. Whereas BMP2 regulates the growth of all examined sesamoids, the differentiation of lateral fabella or digit sesamoids is regulated redundantly by BMP4 and BMP2. Next, we show that whereas patella and digit sesamoids initially form in juxtaposition to long bones, lateral fabella forms independently and at a distance. Finally, our evidence suggests that, unlike the synovial joint that separates patella from femur, digit sesamoids detach from the phalanx by formation of a fibrocartilaginous joint. These findings highlight both common and divergent molecular and mechanical features of sesamoid bone development, which underscores their evolutionary plasticity.

Radiography of the distal extremity of the manus in the donkey foal: Normal images and quantitative characterization from birth to 2 years of age: A pilot study.

This study describes a radiographic survey of the anatomical development of the distal extremity of the manus in the donkey from 0 to 2 years of age. The right distal limb of 10 donkey foals, born in the spring of 2012, underwent radiographs every month for the first 6 months of age and every 3 months during the following 18 months. Latero-medial radiographs with and without barium marker at the coronary band and dorso-palmar radiographs with both front feet in weight bearing were obtained. The distal physis of the third metacarpal bone and the proximal physis of the proximal phalanx (phalanx proximalis) were closed at the mean age of 18.6 months. The distal physis of the proximal phalanx appeared as a clear radiolucent line at 2 weeks of age and was still subtly visible in some donkeys at 24 months. The proximal physis of the middle phalanx (phalanx media) was closed at the mean age of 16.7 months. The distal physis of this phalanx was visible at birth, but closed at 4 days. The distal phalanx (phalanx distalis) was triangular at birth. At the age of 20-21 months, the palmar processes (processus palmares) were both developed. The navicular bone (os sesamoideum distalis) was developed at the mean age of 9 months. The proximal sesamoid bones (ossa sesamoidea proximalia) were seen in continuously development during the 24 months. It seems that the physes in the distal extremity of the manus in the donkey close at an older age than the physes in the horse.

From flat foot to fat foot: structure, ontogeny, function, and evolution of elephant "sixth toes".

Several groups of tetrapods have expanded sesamoid (small, tendon-anchoring) bones into digit-like structures ("predigits"), such as pandas' "thumbs." Elephants similarly have expanded structures in the fat pads of their fore- and hindfeet, but for three centuries these have been overlooked as mere cartilaginous curiosities. We show that these are indeed massive sesamoids that employ a patchy mode of ossification of a massive cartilaginous precursor and that the predigits act functionally like digits. Further, we reveal clear osteological correlates of predigit joint articulation with the carpals/tarsals that are visible in fossils. Our survey shows that basal proboscideans were relatively "flat-footed" (plantigrade), whereas early elephantiforms evolved the more derived "tip-toed" (subunguligrade) morphology, including the predigits and fat pad, of extant elephants. Thus, elephants co-opted sesamoid bones into a role as false digits and used them for support as they changed their foot posture.

Sesamoids in anurans: new data, old issues.

Sesamoids are skeletal elements rarely considered in studies of the vertebrate skeleton. In this work, we integrate ontogenetic data of anuran sesamoids in two species (Leptodactylus latinasus and Pleurodema cf. guayapae), the related structures (tendons, muscles, and joints) in L. latinasus, and a survey of sesamoid distribution in 185 anuran taxa. Our main goals are: (1) to contribute to the knowledge of the comparative anatomy of sesamoids in tetrapods; (2) to provide additional developmental evidence to interpret the ontogenetic pattern of sesamoids in anurans, as a key to elucidate that of tetrapods in general; (3) to provide data about tendon development in relation to sesamoid development in anurans for the first time; and (4) to propose a pattern of anuran sesamoid distribution. The homologies of sesamoids across tetrapods are discussed here. Observations were made in cleared and stained skeletal whole-mounts. Fifty-four sesamoids were found in anurans, thirty-seven of which occur in L. latinasus. The traditional point of view of embedded sesamoids always resulting from biomechanical stimuli of a previously existing tendon is not sustained by our data. Many sesamoids arise before the differentiation of a tendinous tissue. Our survey results in a data set where the two big anuran clades, Hyloides (12 families) and Ranoides (14 families), were represented. The matrix has 38% missing entries. Most of the surveyed sesamoids have multiple origins, with only three of them (about 19%) having one origin.

Murine metapodophalangeal sesamoid bones: morphology and potential means of mineralization underlying function.

Normal murine metapodophalangeal sesamoid bones, closely associated with tendons, were examined in terms of their structure and mineralization with reference to their potential function following crystal deposition. This study utilized radiography, whole mount staining, histology, and conventional electron microscopy to establish a maturation timeline of mineral formation in 1- to 6-week-old metapodophalangeal sesamoids from CD-1 mice. An intimate cellular and structural relationship was documented in more detail than previously described between the sesamoid bone, tendon, and fibrocartilage enthesis at the metapodophalangeal joint. Sesamoid calcification began in 1-week lateral sesamoids of the murine metacarpophalangeal joint of the second digit. All sesamoids were completely calcified by 4 weeks. Transmission electron microscopy of 2-week metacarpophalangeal sesamoids revealed extensive Type I collagen in the associated tendon and fibrocartilage insertion sites and Type II collagen and proteoglycan networks in the interior of the sesamoid. No extracellular matrix vesicles were documented. The results demonstrate that murine sesamoid bones consist of cartilage elaborated by chondrocytes that predominantly synthesize and secrete Type II collagen and proteoglycan. Type II collagen and proteoglycans appear responsible for the onset and progression of mineral formation in this tissue. These data contribute to new understanding of the biochemistry, ultrastructure, and mineralization of sesamoids in relation to other bones and calcifying cartilage and tendon of vertebrates. They also reflect on the potentially important but currently uncertain function of sesamoids as serving as a fulcrum point along a tendon, foreshortening its length and altering advantageously its biomechanical properties with respect to tendon-muscle interaction.

Early skeletal development in Talpa europaea, the common European mole.

An ontogenetic series of 22 cleared and double-stained prenatal specimens was used to study the sequence of ossification of selected postcranial skeletal elements of Talpa europaea. Results were compared with nine other therian mammals, with Alligator, Chelydra, and Lacerta as outgroups. Using the event-pairing method, shifts in the onset of ossification in T. europaea, Sus, and Homo were identified. In T. europaea, the ossification of the cervical vertebrae starts before the metatarsals. In Homo and Sus, the tarsals ossify before the pubic bone. These shifts in the sequence of ossification are unique among the mammals examined, whereas many other changes, characterising monophyletic groups and/or evolving convergently, were also identified. Particular attention was given to some peculiar calcified elements of the hand in T. europaea, which were identified as accessory ;sesamoid bones', and do not display a chondrified precursor. They start to calcify before all others of the hand and later fuse. They appear in all fingers and function as reinforcement for the distal phalanges, most likely as an adaptation for burrowing. The development of the sesamoid bones was examined using histological sections and macerated adults.

Hand-wrist and cervical vertebral maturation indicators: how can these events be used to time Class II treatments?

BACKGROUND: Ossification events in the hand and wrist and in the cervical vertebrae have been shown to occur at specific times before, during and after the adolescent growth spurt, but there is still debate about the applicability of these findings to the clinical management of Class II cases. The aim of this study was to relate, on an individual basis, cervical vertebral maturation stages and hand-wrist ossification events to the timing of peak statural and mandibular growth in a group of indigenous Australians. METHODS: Velocity curves for stature and mandibular growth were constructed for 47 boys and 27 girls, and maturation events were then plotted on the curves. RESULTS: For the majority of children, peak velocity in mandibular growth coincided with peak velocity in stature. Particular combinations of hand-wrist and cervical maturation events occurred consistently before, during or after the adolescent growth spurt. CONCLUSION: Our findings are consistent with those for North American children and we believe that assessment by orthodontists of a combination of hand-wrist and cervical vertebral maturation stages will enhance prediction of the adolescent growth spurt, thereby contributing to a positive, purposeful and more confident approach to the management of Class II cases.

Postnatal skeletal ontogeny in Callisaurus draconoides and Uta stansburiana (Iguania: Phrynosomatidae).

The mineralization of the skeleton from hatching to near maximum size in two phrynosomatid lizards, Callisaurus draconoides and Uta stansburiana, is described in detail. Observed patterns in the appearance of epiphyseal secondary centers, ossification centers, apophyseal ossifications, and calcifications, the distribution of sesamoids, and the timing of fusions, are compared and contrasted with observations of other squamates available in the literature. Overall, Callisaurus and Uta exhibit an advanced state of ossification in the hatchling relative to other squamate neonates and share a similar sequence of braincase fusions and appearance of secondary centers. Preliminary observations suggest that patterns of postnatal skeletal development are highly conserved and independent of patterns of prenatal morphogenesis, and thus a potentially rich source of character data for systematic investigations.

The potential of digital dental radiography in recording the adductor sesamoid and the MP3 stages.

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the reliability of using a recent advance in clinical radiographic technique, digital dental radiography, in recording two growth indicators: the adductor sesamoid and MP3 stages. With an exposure time five times less than that used in the conventional approach, this method shows greatest flexibility in providing a high quality digitized radiographic images of the two growth indicators under investigation. Refereed Paper

Coincident development of sesamoid bones and clues to their evolution.

Sesamoid bones form within tendons in regions that wrap around bony prominences. They are common in humans but variable in number. Sesamoid development is mediated epigenetically by local mechanical forces associated with skeletal geometry, posture, and muscular activity. In this article we review the literature on sesamoids and explore the question of genetic control of sesamoid development. Examination of radiographs of 112 people demonstrated that the relatively infrequent appearances of the fabella (in the lateral gastrocnemius tendon of the knee) and os peroneum (in the peroneus longus tendon of the foot) are related within individuals (P < 0.01). This finding suggests that the tendency to form sesamoids may be linked to intrinsic genetic factors. Evolutionary character analyses suggest that the formation of these sesamoids in humans may be a consequence of phylogeny. These observations indicate that variations of intrinsic factors may interact with extrinsic mechanobiological factors to influence sesamoid development and evolution.

Influence of exercise on bone mineral density of immature cortical and trabecular bone of the equine metacarpus and proximal sesamoid bone.

Bone mineral density (BMD) and cross-sectional area (CSA), measured using peripheral quantitative computed tomography, were determined in the left third metacarpal bone (MCIII) and left medial proximal sesamoid bone (psb) in 3 differently exercised groups of foals. Group(box) (n = 14) was confined to a box stall from birth to age 5 months, Group(training) (n = 14) was kept in similar box stalls but additionally given a daily exercise programme consisting of an increasing number of gallop sprints and Group(pasture) (n = 15) remained at pasture. At 5 months of age, 8 foals from each group were randomly selected and subjected to euthanasia, the remaining 19 foals were given an identical light exercise regimen for an additional 6 months and were killed at age 11 months. In MCIII CSA increased with age and was also significantly (P<0.05) larger in Group(pasture) compared to Group(box) at age 5 months. At 11 months this difference had disappeared. In the dorsal cortex, BMD was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Group(box) than in both other groups. At age 11 months all significant differences had disappeared. In the psb, CSA increased with age, but there were no differences between the exercise groups. At the apical level, trabecular BMD was higher in Group(training) than in Group(box) and Group(pasture) (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). At 11 months, trabecular BMD in the foals that had belonged to Group(training) was less than in the foals that had belonged to Group(box) (P<0.05). It is concluded that box-rest during the first months of life results in a retardation of normal development which is compensated for when the restriction on exercise is lifted. Exercise during the first months of life induces an increase in CSA in the third metacarpal bone. In the psb exercise increases BMD, principally in trabecular bone. There is an indication that the specific training regimen used in this study led to an overstimulation of the bone resulting in less active mineral deposition in the longer term.

[Observation of cervical vertebrae and estimation of their bone age].

There are two objectives in this study: the first is to estimate skeletal age by lateral cephalomatric roentgengram of cervical vertebrae instead of X-ray of handwrist, the second is to study the rules of cervical vertebrae's growth and development of children from Beijing. The Auto CAD 12.0 computer software was used in measuring lateral cephalomatric roentgengrams of cervical vertebrae of 280 children from Beijing aged 9-15. The shape of cervical vertebrae of children with that of adults on X-ray films was compared, and the growth and development of cervical vertebrae of 9-15 years old children from Beijing was observed. We found out that the rapid growth period of cervical vertebrae was 12-14 years old for girls and 14-15 years old for boys. During puberty, the change of vertebrae's shape has no difference between male and female. 42 female and 28 male teenagers from the 280 aged 9-13 years old were taken X-ray films of left handwrist. The comparison between the films and roentgengrams shows that the appearance of sesamoid of hand and the concavity of the second vertebrae body is at the same time, which means that the beginning of rapid growth period can be estimated by the lateral cephalometric roentgengrams of cervical vertebrae.

Determinación de la edad biológica a partir del crecimiento óseo / Determination of the biological age by the study of bone growth

En síntesis pordemos decir que a través de este estudiosimple, económico, que no requiere aparatología sofisticada y posible de realizar en nuestro consultorio dental podemos obtener información de gran valor: si el paciente tuvo o no su pico máximo de crecimiento, siendo éste un dato de fundamental importancia para aquellos casos donde sea necesario aplicar una terapia ortopédica, tanto a nivel maxilar como mandibular, ya sea para estimular como para inhibir su crecimiento. Hueso sesamoideo presente, el paciente hizo su pico máximo de crecimiento, se limitan las posibilidades de actuar ortopédicamente. Hueso sesamoideo ausente, el paciente no hizo su pico máximo de crecimiento, hay posibilidades de actuar con terapia ortopédica si el caso así lo requiere

Determinación de la edad biológica a partir del crecimiento óseo / Determination of the biological age by the study of bone growth

En síntesis pordemos decir que a través de este estudiosimple, económico, que no requiere aparatología sofisticada y posible de realizar en nuestro consultorio dental podemos obtener información de gran valor: si el paciente tuvo o no su pico máximo de crecimiento, siendo éste un dato de fundamental importancia para aquellos casos donde sea necesario aplicar una terapia ortopédica, tanto a nivel maxilar como mandibular, ya sea para estimular como para inhibir su crecimiento. Hueso sesamoideo presente, el paciente hizo su pico máximo de crecimiento, se limitan las posibilidades de actuar ortopédicamente. Hueso sesamoideo ausente, el paciente no hizo su pico máximo de crecimiento, hay posibilidades de actuar con terapia ortopédica si el caso así lo requiere (AU)

[Comparison of skeletal development between rural and urban school-age children].

Skeletal development and other related indicators were measured in 1680 children aged 7-18 in urban areas of Harbin and rural areas of Hailun County in 1990-1992, and comparisons were made. The results showed that the skeletal age of urban children aged 7-17 was higher than that of rural children in both sexes, and this difference was significant in the early puberty stage. The difference in mean values of cortical thickness of the metacarpals between urban and rural children showed similar tendency. Sesamoid ossification in urban children occurred one year earlier than that in rural children in both sexes. In primary school-age children, skeletal age was highly correlated with body height and weight. The development of secondary sex characteristics in both sexes and the age at menarche in girls in urban areas were earlier than those in rural areas, and the onset of puberty occurred one year earlier in urban than that in rural children.

Avaliação de um método simplificado para estimar a maturação esquelética / Evaluation of the effectiveness of an alternative simplified method to determine bone age

O conhecimento profundo do crescimento crânio-facial deve ser de domínio do ortodontista, e sua constante presença nas páginas de publicações científicas afins confirma o interesse que o assunto tem deflagrado nos pesquisadores. O presente trabalho revolve a antiga discussão em torno da determinação da idade óssea ou, no caso da ortodontia, de como mensurar o potencial do crescimento remanescente de um paciente portador de uma má oclusão esquelética. A proposição resume-se em avaliar um método alternativo simplificado que tem atraído o interesse do clínico também pela praticidade de sua obtenção. O método consiste em uma tomada radiográfica da região da articulação metacarpofalangeana do primeiro dedo, utilizando-se uma película radiográfica periapical (de tamanho nº 2). A efetividade deste método foi comparada com o da radiografia carpal usada quase que exclusivamente na clínica ortodôntica para avaliação da maturação óssea. Utilizando-se o atlas de Greulich & Pyle como referência, 4 juízes determinaram a idade óssea de 100 adolescentes nas duas radiografias em estudo: do dedo polegar e a carpal. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos às análises estatísticas. Os resultados evidenciaram a possibilidade de utilização da radiografia do dedo polegar como meio auxiliar para o diagnóstico ortodôntico, em alternativa à radiografia carpal, na determinação do estágio maturacional do paciente que será tratado ortodonticamente

Development of the navicular bone in foetal and young horses, including the arterial supply.

A macroscopic, arteriographic and histological study of the development and the arterial anatomy of the navicular bone of 33 foetuses and 55 young horses is described. After 125 days of gestation the blood supply consists of two routes: one situated in the superficial layer of the fibrocartilage and the other similar to the blood supply of the navicular bone of the normal mature horse. After 270 days gestation, the blood vessels in the fibrocartilage gradually regressed and retracted until they have disappeared at six months after birth. At two months after birth the first macroscopic thinning of the fibrocartilage was noticed. From seven months to one year about 45 per cent of the navicular bones showed a slight thinning of the fibrocartilage. A positive correlation was found between radiographic abnormalities (ie enlargement of the nutrient foramina) and the frequency of thinning of the fibrocartilage. Radiographic abnormalities were first recognised 14 days after birth, whereas the arteriogram showed the first changes such as fewer or no arteries entering distally at the distal extremities at 10 weeks after birth. At four weeks after birth the first arterial wall changes were found, ie intimal thickening with or without splitting of the internal elastic membrane. From that age onward, the number of navicular bones with arterial wall changes gradually increased. Starting at five months after birth only 6 to 20 per cent of the arteries in the navicular bones without radiographic abnormalities showed arterial wall changes. However, the navicular bones with radiographic abnormalities showed arterial wall changes in 25 to 80 per cent of the arteries.

Interrelationships among measures of somatic, skeletal, dental, and sexual maturity.

The interrelationships among five measures of physiologic maturity for 50 French-Canadian girls are evaluated--menarche, peak height velocity (PHV), 75% skeletal maturity, appearance of the ulnar sesamoid, and 90% dental development. The mean ages of occurrence of the events differed significantly (P less than 0.01). Menarche and 90% dental maturity showed the least variability. Ages of PHV, menarche, and 75% skeletal maturity were significantly correlated (P less than 0.05). Age of menarche was most closely associated with PHV. The appearance of the ulnar sesamoid was highly correlated with 75% skeletal maturity; both were equally related to the ages of PHV and menarche. The age at which French-Canadian girls attain 90% of their dental development showed no significant relationships with the other maturity indicators. The results imply that the mechanisms controlling dental development are independent of somatic and/or sexual maturity.

Incremento del número de huesos sesamoideos de la mano en Kayakistas / Increase of the number of sesamoid bones of the hand in Kayakists

Se plantea que es una preocupación actual en el campo de la investigación morfológica conocer las modificaciones que se producen en el hombre como consecuencia de la actividad laboral que realiza. Atendiendo a este aspecto se ha propuesto realizar un estudio de la incidencia de los huestos sesamoideos de la mano en individuos jóvenes comprendidos entre los 17 y 21 años de edad que integran el equipo nacional cubano de kayac. Para este trabajo se le realizaron radiografias de las manos derecha e izquierda a cada indíviduo siguiendo, la técnica de White-house. Para el estudio de los huesos sesamoides de la mano se realizó el recuento de los mismos, y se determinó el total por grupo estudiado, así como el índice y las localizaciones más frecuentes de los mismos. El análisis se realizó mediante un test de comparación de porcentaje. Se observó mayor porcentaje de aparición de huesos sesamoideos de la mano en los deportistas, lo que se relacionó con el trabajo físico que realizan con las manos. El incremento de aparición de huessos sesamoides no mostró diferencias entre los lados derecho e izquierdo