OSTEOGENESIS OF THE SWINE ELBOW FROM BIRTH TO 105 DAYS OF AGE
Abstract
Osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis are non-infectious conditions affecting young swine especially in the distal part of the humerus. Although it has been hypothesized that blood vessels in cartilage canals within growth cartilages are involved in the etiopathogenesis of the diseases, the distribution of blood vessels in these regions is poorly documented. Consequently, the objective of this study was to examine the vasculature of the developing elbow joint of swine and determine its relationship to osteogenesis. Thirty-nine pigs between 1-day- and 15-week-old were anesthetized and exsanquinated. Thoracic limbs were perfused with India ink or silicone rubber and disarticulated. Bones were dissected, fixed in formalin or ethyl alcohol, radiographed, cleared by a modified Spalteholz technique, and examined mesoscopically. Features of interest in normal bones were photographed, then bones were cut into slabs, photographed, and selected areas were processed, sectioned and stained for matrical and mineral histochemistry. In the portion of humerus, radius, and anconeal process examined, the pattern of cartilage canals was consistent. Perivascular capillary networks were in some cartilage canals. Cartilage canals did not cross the growth plate. Foci of calcification within and adjacent to epiphyseal centers of ossification were closely associated with cartilage canals. Pits and grooves were cartilaginous foci related to cartilage canals except in older pigs in which they consisted of areas of chondrolysis and fibrous connective tissue. Ghosts were refractile bodies with variable contents. Synovial notches and fossae evolved in articular areas having a distinctive vascular pattern. Histochemically, articular and growth cartilages were laminated. The development of epiphyseal centers of ossification was similar to that reported. However, neither the initiation of the lateral epicondyle as a separate center of ossification nor tertiary centers of ossification have been described elsewhere. Although cartilage canals have been described as being central in the foci of calcification, in the present study they were adjacent to the developing foci. Focal chondrolysis in the pits has not been reported elsewhere. Ghosts were occluded blood vessels or calcified foci. Synovial fossae were modelled by endochondral ossification rather then osteoclastic resorption. Future research areas were highlighted.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Anatomy & physiology|Veterinary services
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