Bone Yield and Age-Related Bone Loss in Human Rib
Author Information
Author(s): Qiu Shijing, Rao D Sudhaker, Palnitkar Saroj, Parfitt A Michael
Primary Institution: Henry Ford Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
Bone yield depends on the size of the resorption cavity during osteonal remodeling.
Conclusion
The study confirms that bone remodeling in the rib is efficient and only slightly affected by age.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found that percent osteonal refilling was close to 95% across all age groups.
- There was a very highly significant linear relationship between osteon bone area and the sum of osteon area and haversian canal area.
- The efficiency of intracortical remodeling in the rib was confirmed with only trivial effects of age.
Takeaway
As we get older, our bones still do a good job of repairing themselves, especially in the rib, but they might not be as quick as when we were younger.
Methodology
The study measured geometric variables in 1263 osteons from rib cross sections of 65 persons across different age groups.
Limitations
The rib may not represent the entire skeleton as it is the only bone that is never at rest.
Participant Demographics
65 subjects, including 23 men and 14 women aged 20-30 years, and 14 men and 14 women aged 60-70 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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