Age-related changes in bone mass structure and strength

Journal/Book: Z Rheumatol 1998; 57 Suppl. 1: 1 (H 1). 1998;

Abstract: Aarhus Denmark The incidence of vertebral fracture has increased three to four fold for women and more than four fold for men during the last 30 years. These data are age-adjusted and therefore highlight the decrease in bone mass or bone quality from generation to generation. To arrest or reverse these increases in osteoporotic fractures effective preventive regimens must be established. However in order to do so a basic understanding of age-related changes in the quality and strength of vertebral bone is crucial. During childhood and young adulthood the human skeleton grows and achieves its final size and shape (growth and modelling). At the age of 25-30 years peak bone mass is attained and a few years later the age-related bone loss begins. This loss of bone is caused by the remodelling process during which osteoblasts and osteoclasts work as units coupled in time and space. This process renews bone throughout life - but at a cost. During each remodelling process some bone mass is normally lost. In the presentation a description of the normal age-related changes in spinal bone mass bone structure and strength in both men and women will be given in order to elucidate the basic biological processes that lead to the development of osteoporosis. Furthermore the work pattern of the remodelling process in loadbearing trabecular bone is described. These normal age-related changes in human bone are investigated by use of a combination of different techniques: normal histomorphometry structural analyses scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and biomechanical testing. It has been demonstrated that age by itself is the major determinant of vertebral bone strength mass and microarchitecture. le

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Age-related changes in bone mass structure and strength - effects of loading