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The Role of Muscle in Bone Repair: The Cells, Signals, and Tissue Responses to Injury

  • Skeletal Regulations (D Gaddy, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Bone repair is a complicated process that includes many types of cells, signaling molecules, and growth factors. Fracture healing involves a temporally and spatially regulated biologic process that involves recruitment of stem cells to the injury site, tissue specific differentiation, angiogenesis, and remodeling. In light of its proximity to bone and abundant vascularity, muscle is an important potential source of cells and signals for bone healing. More complete understanding of the role of muscle in bone formation and repair will provide new therapeutic approaches to enhance fracture healing. Recent studies establish that muscle-derived stem cells are able to differentiate into cartilage and bone and can directly participate in fracture healing. The role of muscle-derived stem cells is particularly important in fractures associated with more severe injury to the periosteum. Sarcopenia is a serious consequence of aging, and studies show a strong association between bone mass and lean muscle mass. Muscle anabolic agents may improve function and reduce the incidence of fracture with aging.

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Acknowledgments

The work was supported in part by PHS awards RO1AR048861 (RJO) and P50AR954041 (RJO)

Disclosure

K Shah declares no conflict of interest. Z Majeed declares no conflict of interest. J Jonason declares no conflict of interest. RJ O’Keefe declares no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center, Box 665, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14692, USA

    Krupa Shah, Jennifer Jonason & Regis J. O’Keefe

  2. Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA

    Krupa Shah & Zahraa Majeed

Authors
  1. Krupa Shah
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  2. Zahraa Majeed
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  4. Regis J. O’Keefe
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Correspondence to Regis J. O’Keefe.

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Shah, K., Majeed, Z., Jonason, J. et al. The Role of Muscle in Bone Repair: The Cells, Signals, and Tissue Responses to Injury. Curr Osteoporos Rep 11, 130–135 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-013-0146-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-013-0146-3

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