Unilateral heat accelerates bone elongation and lengthens extremities of growing mice

• DOI: 10.1002/jor.22812
• Publication Date: 2015-01-30T21:23:13Z
• Authors: Maria A. Serrat; Thomas J. Schlierf; Morgan L. Efaw; Franklin D. Shuler; Justin Godby; Laura M. Stanko; Holly L. Tamski
• Keywords: Elongation

Linear growth failure results from a broad spectrum of systemic and local disorders that can generate chronic musculoskeletal disability. Current bone lengthening protocols involve invasive surgeries or drug regimens, which are only partially effective. Exposure to warm ambient temperature during increases limb length, suggesting targeted heat could noninvasively enhance elongation. We tested the hypothesis daily exposure on one side body unilaterally femoral tibial lengths. Mice (N = 20) were treated with 40 °C unilateral for min/day 14 days post-weaning. Non-treated mice 6) served as controls. Unilateral in ear (8.8%), hindfoot (3.5%), (1.3%), (1.5%) lengths obtained. Tibial elongation rate was > 12% greater (15 μm/day) heat-treated side. Extremity correlated treatment. Body mass humeral length unaffected. To test whether differences persisted adults, examined 7-weeks post-treatment. Ear area, hindfoot, femoral, still significantly increased ∼6%, 3.5%, 1%, respectively, Left-right absent non-treated controls, ruling out inherent asymmetry. This model is important designing noninvasive heat-based therapies potentially combat range debilitating impediments children.