[Change in the properties of the femoral bones of rats due to exarticulation of the crus and hypokinesia].
Rat experiments demonstrated that unilateral calf exarticulation leading to the loss of the leg weight-bearing function resulted in a decrease of the density, ash content and mineral content in the femoral diaphysis. This manipulation reduced the mechanical strength and did not change the elastic properties of the bone. Histological examinations showed osteoporosis in the cortical plate. Partial maintenance of the weight-bearing function in the animals with bilateral exarticulation of the calf prevented these changes. The results suggest that special steps taken to provide static load on leg may be effective countermeasures against atropic changes in bones devoid of their weight-bearing function.