Previous studies have indicated that regional sympathectomy leads to qualitative alterations in localized bone modeling and remodeling. In this study, unilateral cervical sympathectomy resulted in significant increases in osteoclast surface and osteoclast number within the ipsilateral bulla of experimental animals. The mechanisms by which sympathectomy leads to increased local bone loss is unknown. Potential mechanisms include disinhibition of resorption, secondary to the elimination of periosteal sympathetics, as well as indirect vascular effects.
Disruption of the control of modeling within the temporal bone may lead to various bone diseases such as otosclerosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, Paget's disease of bone, fibrous dysplasia, or the erosion of bone associated with chronic otitis media.
Sherman, Bret E.; Chole, Richard A.
Institution
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, U.S.A.
Title
In Vivo Effects of Surgical Sympathectomy on Intramembranous Bone Resorption.[Miscellaneous]
Source
American Journal of Otology. 17(2):343-346, March 1996.