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MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: Bone consists of a dense, compact layer and a spongy cancellous structure. While compact bone forms an organized outer shell, cancellous bone consists of thin, interlocking plates, called trabeculae. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are the osteocytes, or bone cells, that make up bone tissue. Bone continually renews its structure and strength through remodeling. Osteoclasts break down existing bone, and osteoblasts built up new bone. In normal bone, adequate physical stress and changing blood calcium levels prompt osteocytes to initiate bone remodeling. Osteoblasts emit a cytokine that transforms immature osteoclasts into mature osteoclasts. In a process called resorption, mature osteoclasts use enzymes to remove existing bone tissue. Then osteoclasts release chemicals that stimulate immature osteoblasts to mature and release osteoprotegerin, a protein that deactivates osteoclasts, stopping bone resorption. In response, bone formation occurs. Mature osteoblasts deposit osteoid, a matrix that contains minerals, such as calcium and phosphorous, and a strong, flexible protein called collagen. Calcium and phosphorus crystallize or mineralize the osteoid, then transform into sturdy hydroxyapatite crystals, completing the bone formation process. In both men and women, before mid-life, bone resorption and bone formation are balanced. Hormones and other factors influence bone remodeling. For example, estrogen hormone suppresses osteoclasts, inhibiting resorption to help maintain bone strength. After mid-life, estrogen levels fall, and osteoclast activity may go unchecked. Increased resorption can lead to bone loss. Osteoporosis is a progressive disease in which the rate of bone resorption exceeds bone formation. As a result, the trabeculae in cancellous bone become fewer and farther apart. The compact bone thins, and overall, the bone becomes weak, fragile, and prone to fractures. Treatments for osteoporosis include calcium and vitamin D supplements to help maintain blood calcium levels, anti-resorptive medications that promote bone strength by preventing osteoclast activation and excessive resorption, anabolic medications, which increase osteoblast activity and promote bone formation, and exercise, including weight-bearing activities, which adds stress to bone, promoting remodeling. ♪ [music] ♪
"A few words about The Doe Report: recently in a brachial plexus injury
case, we used an image from The Doe Report to demonstrate the injury. We
downloaded the PDF file image, and were amazed at the quality. The hard
copies that you sent were even more clear. As well, we could not have been
happier when you customized the image and reversed the injury from the left
shoulder to the right shoulder, which is where our client's injury was.
The speed and cost-effectiveness of the product made it the perfect tool for
our purposes. We will use The Doe Report again in future cases."
Andrew Needle
Needle Gallagher & Ellenberg, P.A.
Miami, FL
"Thanks, and your illustrations were effective in a $3
million dollar verdict last Friday."
Joseph M. Prodor Trial Lawyer White Rock, British Columbia
"For us, the defining feature of effective demonstrative evidence is
whether, by itself, the piece will tell the story of the case. Medical legal
Art provides our firm with illustrations and animations that are clear and
persuasive. Their exhibits tell the story in a way that allows the jury to
understand a very complex subject, very quickly."
James D. Horwitz Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, P.C. Bridgeport, CT
"Medical illustrations are essential during trial for any medical malpractice case. The people at MLA have the uncanny ability of creating medical illustrations that simplify the most complex of medical concepts and human anatomy to a lay audience. The exhibits of MLA allow experts to easily describe complex concepts and human anatomy in a manner that could
not be done otherwise.
In addition, their custom illustrations show in great detail the extent of
injuries suffered and the devastating effects they have had on the client's
anatomy. These custom illustration can show, side by side, the body before
and after a catastrophic injury. The effect of this juxtaposition is
unmatched by any testimony that can be adduced at the time of trial.
Even jurors after trial have commented on the ease with which they grasp
medical concepts and anatomy once the MLA exhibits were introduced and
used by my experts. Even judges who have "seen it all" are thoroughly
impressed by the detail and sophistication of the illustrations.
Medical Legal Art creates medical demonstrative evidence (medical
illustrations, drawings, pictures, graphics, charts, medical animations,
anatomical models, and interactive presentations) for use during legal
proceedings, including research, demand letters, client conferences,
depositions, arbitrations, mediations, settlement conferences, mock jury
trials and for use in the courtroom. We do not provide legal or medical
advice. If you have legal questions, you should find a lawyer with whom you
can discuss your case issues. If you have medical questions, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.