Investigation of bone biomechanics in rats with traumatic kidney injury

Objective: Mineral metabolism disorders are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and increase the risk of fractures. It has been confirmed by animal models that these changes in bone also cause negative results in the mechanical properties of bone. Although there are many available methods for diagnosing metabolic bone disorders and estimating fracture risk, it has been suggested that biomechanical tests that provide information about bone's structural and material properties are most appropriate, particularly in small rodents with CKD. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of trauma-induced kidney damage on bone biomechanical properties. Materials and Methods: In this study, we used 16 adult Wistar Albino rats, 200–300 g, 4–5 months old. The animals were examined under two groups: kidney control (n = 9) and healty kidney control group and kidney damage group (n = 7). In the control group, the rats were fixed by laparotomy, and the kidneys were closed without suturing. However, the kidney damage group was approached by suturing. Results: When the bone biomechanical properties of the control and kidney-damaged groups were compared, a statistically significant difference was found between the displacement at maximum load, duration, and young's modulus groups (P < 0.005). Conclusion: The study showed that the bone biomechanical properties of rats with trauma-induced kidney damage changed, and there was an increased fracture risk.