A non-invasive loading device to examine the role of mechanobiology in the fatigue failure process of bone

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Mechanical fatigue of load bearing bone is an inevitable consequence of physical activity. Habitual loading of the skeletal system causes microdamage accumulation that reduces the overall quality of bone and leads to a reduction in stiffness and an increase in mechanical strain with continued loading. Without adequate bone repair, the accumulation of microdamage may eventually lead to fatigue fracture. Fatigue fractures in bone are well documented in humans but poorly understood. Some have postulated that bone remodeling, in response to microdamage, may create localized porosity and elevated mechanical strain resulting in a positive feedback loop between bone repair and microdamage, ultimately resulting in fatigue fracture. The objective of this application is to request funds for the fabrication of a custom mechanical testing device to noninvasively, cyclically load animal hindlimbs in vivo. The device will provide unique and novel insight into the role that cellular remodeling activity plays in the fatigue damage and failure process of bone. The device will be completely mobile, allowing for experimentation across multiple facilities including the Human Performance Lab and the Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation Centre building at the University of Calgary, a facility equipped with an in vivo micro-computed tomography scanner allowing for high-resolution, longitudinal measurements of bone. The requested device will support Dr. Edwards within the Faculty of Kinesiology, Schulich School of Engineering, and Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary, along with other major users in the Human Performance Lab and McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health that have natural science and engineering research programs. Dr. Edwards' research program has made significant advancements and discoveries related to the fracture and fatigue of whole bone and bone tissue; however, his current ex vivo approach is limited to a basic understanding of bone as an inert material and is thus an unable to account for potentially important aspects of biology in the fatigue damage and failure process. This research is not necessarily specific to bone and may be relevant to other biological fiber-based composite materials with hierarchical organization. The requested infrastructure would immediately catalyze Dr. Edwards' research program and significantly increase the scope and impact of his trainees' work. If the proposed technical infrastructure is not acquired, his lab risks ceding this exciting opportunity to competing international research groups. To summarize, the proposed equipment will help to ensure the continued success and international reputation of the Human Performance Lab, allow the next generation of young scientists a chance to ask new and important questions in an inclusive and diverse environment, and provide trainees a competitive advantage for future careers in academia, industry, and beyond.