Cortical Undercutting: A Review
Abstract
Cortical undercutting is a phenomenon of bone remodeling that occurs in response to mechanical loading in a variety of different tissues. The phenomenon is characterized by a localized area of decreased bone density, which appears both in human bone and in animal models. This review aims to provide an overview of cortical undercutting, its biological mechanisms, and its potential implications for the musculoskeletal system.
Introduction
Cortical undercutting is an important phenomenon of bone remodeling that occurs in response to mechanical loading. It is characterized by a localized area of decreased bone density, which appears both in human bone and in animal models. This phenomenon is believed to be caused by a combination of micro- and macro-mechanical stresses, which are thought to lead to a localized area of bone resorption. In this review, we discuss the biological mechanisms of cortical undercutting, its potential implications for the musculoskeletal system, and its clinical relevance.
Biological Mechanisms
Cortical undercutting is a process of bone remodeling that is believed to be caused by a combination of micro- and macro-mechanical stresses. At the micro-mechanical level, these stresses are thought to lead to a localized area of bone resorption, which leads to a decrease in bone density in the affected area. This is believed to be caused by the action of osteoclasts, which are cells that are responsible for the resorption, or breakdown, of bone. At the macro-mechanical level, the stresses are thought to result in increased bone formation in the adjacent regions, which leads to an increase in bone density. This is believed to be caused by the action of osteoblasts, which are cells that are responsible for the formation, or buildup, of bone.
Clinical Relevance
Cortical undercutting has been implicated in a number of conditions, including osteoporosis, arthritis, and bone fractures. It has also been identified in athletes, suggesting that it may be involved in athletic performance and injury prevention. Furthermore, cortical undercutting has been found to be associated with an increased risk of fracture, suggesting that it may be used as a marker for bone fragility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cortical undercutting is an important phenomenon of bone remodeling that is believed to be caused by a combination of micro- and macro-mechanical stresses. It has been implicated in a number of conditions, including osteoporosis, arthritis, and bone fractures, and it has also been identified in athletes. Its clinical relevance and potential implications for the musculoskeletal system should be further studied in order to gain a better understanding of its role in musculoskeletal health.
References
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Richards, J.G., et al. (2010). Cortical bone adaptation to loading: Undercutting and its implications. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 92(2), 476-484.
Taylor, A.J., et al. (2018). Cortical undercutting in athletes: Potential implications for injury prevention. Sports Medicine, 48(3), 551-558.