Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society
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We recently established a large animal model of osteoporosis in sheep using hypothalamic-pituitary disconnection (HPD). As central regulation is important for bone metabolism, HPD-sheep develop severe osteoporosis because of low bone turnover. In this study we investigated metaphyseal fracture healing in HPD-sheep. ⋯ Histomorphometry also revealed a decreased amount of newly formed bone (-29%) and some remaining cartilage in the HPD-group, suggesting that HPD disturbed fracture healing. Thyroxine T4 and 17β-estradiol substitution considerably improved bone healing in the HPD-sheep. Our results indicate that fracture healing requires central regulation and that thyroxine T4 and 17β-estradiol contribute to the complex pathomechanisms of delayed metaphyseal bone healing in HPD-sheep.