Elemental and Structural Characterization of Heterotopic Ossification during Achilles Tendon Healing Provides New Insights on the Formation Process.

ABSTRACT: Heterotopic ossification (HO) in tendons can lead to increased pain and poor tendon function. Although it is believed to share some characteristics with bone, the structural and elemental compositions of HO deposits have not been fully elucidated. This study utilizes a multimodal and multiscale approach for structural and elemental characterization of HO deposits in healing rat Achilles tendons at 3, 6, 12, 16, and 20 weeks post transection. The microscale tomography and scanning electron microscopy results indicate increased mineral density and Ca/P ratio in the maturing HO deposits (12 and 20 weeks), when compared to the early time points (3 weeks). Visually, the mature HO deposits present microstructures similar to calcaneal bone. Through synchrotron-based X-ray scattering and fluoresce

SUBMITTER: Sharma K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11322912 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature