Postmenopausal osteoporosis: microradiographic aspects

A comparative microradiographic and histologic analysis of undecalcified bone samples was performed in men and women aged 18-98 years. These morphological methods showed that besides usual lamellar bone remodelling, all the so-called inert surfaces, namely both haversian and vascular canals as well...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inItalian journal of anatomy and embryology Vol. 103; no. 4 Suppl 1; p. 343
Main Authors Dhem, A, Nyssen-Behets, C, Coppens, J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Italy 1998
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Bone and Bones - diagnostic imaging
Bone and Bones - metabolism
Bone and Bones - pathology
Bone Density - physiology
Female
Humans
Male
Microradiography - methods
Middle Aged
Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal - diagnostic imaging
Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal - pathology
Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal - physiopathology
Sex Characteristics
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Summary:A comparative microradiographic and histologic analysis of undecalcified bone samples was performed in men and women aged 18-98 years. These morphological methods showed that besides usual lamellar bone remodelling, all the so-called inert surfaces, namely both haversian and vascular canals as well as trabecular surfaces, were involved in weathering alterations of the superficial lamellae, resulting in eroded outlines devoid of osteoclast. These aspects, recorded in all pieces of our material, were visible from the earliest adult age and were randomly distributed. Except the grade of osteoporosis at a given age, the microradiographic and histologic aspects were similar in both aged men and women and did not allow sex distinction. These observations were consistent with the hypothesis of a particular destructive process affecting all the quiescent lamellar bone surfaces without osteoclast or cell participation. This kind of erosion, termed delitescence, could be at least partially responsible for the age-related and postmenopausal bone loss. In order to explain the increasing osteoporosis after menopause, it has been suggested that the estrogen deficiency could increase the percentage of dead osteocytes. Thereby the reduced cellular control on the bone surface could impair the remodeling process and fail to adapt the bone structure by repairing the microscopic lesions.
ISSN:1122-6714