Bone Geometry as a Predictor of Tissue Fragility and Stress Fracture Risk
Abstract
Having a narrow tibia relative to body mass has been shown to be a major predictor of stress fracture risk and fragility. The reason for this phenomenon is not understood. Based on studies of genetically distinct inbred mouse strains, we found a reciprocal relationship between bone mass and bone quality, such that slender bones are associated with more damageable bone tissue. We postulate that a similar reciprocal relationship between bone mass and bone material properties exists in the human skeleton. The intriguing possibility that slender bones, like those we have demonstrated in animal models, may be composed of more damageable material than larger bones has not been considered. To test this hypothesis, we determined whether whole bone geometry is a predictor of tissue fragility in the tibia from young male donors. Tissue damageability was assessed from biomechanical testing of compact bone samples and correlated with measures of bone slenderness. Specimens were subjected to detailed analyses of bone microstructure, composition, and microdamage content. In the second set of experiments, these analyses were repeated for female donors to test for gender differences in tissue fragility. Further, we tested whether ultrasound measurements were sensitive enough to detect the presence of damage and could thus be used for early diagnosis of stress fractures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA459711
Entities
People
- Karl J. Jepsen
Organizations
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai