Structural adaptations to bone loss in aging men and women

Cosimo Roberto Russo, Fulvio Lauretani, Ego Seeman, Benedetta Bartali, Stefania Bandinelli, Angelo Di Iorio, Jack Guralnik, Luigi Ferrucci

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

115 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Bone apposition on the subperiosteal surface and bone loss from the endocortical surface during aging establish the external diameter, total cross-sectional area (tCSA), cortical thickness (Ct.Th) and the distance the cortex is placed from the neutral axis of a long bone, all determinants of bone strength. We tested the hypothesis that sex-related differences in these processes produces a sexual dimorphism in tibial fragility. Methods: The above traits were assessed in 688 women and 561 men (20-102 years old) using peripheral QCT. Results: Total and medullary areas were greater in young adult men than young adult women. As age advanced, in men, tCSA area increased by 0.79 SD, and medullary area increased by 0.54 SD so that cortical area, cortical thickness and minimum and maximum moments of inertia (Imin and I max) were similar at all ages. In women, tCSA increased by 0.2 SD, while medullary area increased by 2.6 SD so that cortical area and thickness and the moments of inertia diminished. Cortical apparent volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) declined more in women (by 3.1 SD) than men (by 0.5 SD). In both sexes, the lower the cortical apparent vBMD, the higher the tCSA (women R 2 = 0.13, men R2 = 0.16, both P <0.0001), whereas the lower the Ct.Th, the lower the tCSA (women R2 = 0.30, men R 2 = 0.32, both P <0.0001). Conclusions: Bone loss reduces cortical thickness and increases intracortical porosity. These changes tend to be compensated for by periosteal apposition in both sexes but more greatly in men than in women, perhaps because this mechanism may be ineffective when cortical thinning is severe.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)112-118
Number of pages7
JournalBone
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Bone biomechanics
  • Computed tomography
  • Cross-sectional area

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Hematology

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