mechanopathologies

Mechanopathologies are diseases or pathological states that arise from mechanical forces acting on tissues or cells. They encompass conditions in which abnormal loading, pressure, friction, shear, or deformation initiates or propagates pathology, or interferes with normal tissue homeostasis.

At the cellular level, mechanotransduction converts physical cues into biochemical signals through integrins, cytoskeletal networks, and ion channels, leading to gene expression changes and tissue remodeling. Prolonged or excessive mechanical stimuli can cause inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, altered cellular senescence, and maladaptive remodeling. Conversely, insufficient or misdirected mechanical signals can impair healing and tissue maintenance.

Representative domains include: musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc degeneration, tendinopathies, and stress fractures driven by repetitive or abnormal loading; vascular and cardiovascular responses such as arterial wall remodeling and aneurysm formation under abnormal shear stress or pressure; and soft tissue or organ injuries due to sustained pressure, friction, or crowding, including pressure ulcers and hernias. Implants and prosthetics can also become mechanopathologies when mechanical mismatch or altered loading causes wear, loosening, or failure.

Assessment integrates clinical evaluation with imaging and functional measures, and may employ dynamic or gait analysis, ultrasound elastography, or MRI to assess tissue mechanics. Management aims to reduce harmful mechanical loads, restore physiological motion, or surgically correct architecture as needed, using physical therapy, orthotics, bracing, weight management, or corrective procedures. Pharmacologic treatments may alleviate symptoms but do not address underlying mechanics alone.

Research in mechanobiology and computational biomechanics seeks to predict mechanical risk factors, guide rehabilitation, and design therapies that modulate tissue mechanics or improve mechanotransduction responses.