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Age-and region-dependent changes in three-dimensional microstructural properties of proximal femoral trabeculae

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Abstract

Summary

This study investigated regional variations in the 3D microstructure of trabecular bone in human proximal femur, with respect to aging. The results demonstrate that age-related changes in trabecular microstructure significantly varied from different sub-regions of the proximal femur.

Introduction

We hypothesize that the age-related changes in trabecular bone microstructure appear to be varied from specific anatomic sub-regions of the proximal femur followed by non-uniform bone loss. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore regional variations in the 3D microstructure of trabecular bone in human proximal femur, with respect to aging.

Methods

A total of 162 trabecular bone cores from six regions of 27 femora of male cadaver donors were scanned using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The following microstructural parameters were calculated: bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), thickness (Tb.Th) and separation (Tb.Sp), structure model index (SMI), and degree of anisotropy (DOA).

Results

Age-related changes in trabecular microstructure varied from different regions of the proximal femur. There was a significant decrease in bone volume fraction and an almost identical decrease in trabecular thickness associated with aging at any region. Regional analysis demonstrated a significant difference in BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp, Tb.N and DOA between superior and inferior neck, as well as a significant difference in BV/TV, Tb.Sp, Tb.N, SMI and DOA between superior and inferior trochanter.

Conclusions

Age-related changes in bone loss and trabecular microstructure within the male proximal femur are not uniform in this cadaveric population.

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Author notes

  1. W.-Q. Cui

    Present address: Othopaedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Heishanhujia 17, Haidianqu, Beijing, 100091, China

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, San 5, Wonchon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 443–721, South Korea

    W.-Q. Cui, Y.-Y. Won, M.-H. Baek & D.-H. Lee

  2. Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea

    Y.-S. Chung

  3. Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital, Suwon, South Korea

    J.-H. Hur

  4. Orthopaedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Heisanhujia 17, Haidianqu, Beijing, 100091, China

    Y.-Z. Ma

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  1. W.-Q. Cui
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Correspondence to Y.-Y. Won.

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Cui, WQ., Won, YY., Baek, MH. et al. Age-and region-dependent changes in three-dimensional microstructural properties of proximal femoral trabeculae. Osteoporos Int 19, 1579–1587 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-008-0601-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-008-0601-7

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