[Age and sex-associated histomorphometric changes in the ilium]

Abstract

Histomorphometric changes with age of iliac trabeculae were measured with a semi-automatic image analyser connected to a minicomputer system in 58 orthopaedic patients who underwent iliac bone biopsy and 52 autopsy specimens from individuals who died in accidents. Undecalcified iliac bone samples were examined. Of the nine static parameters measured, trabecular bone specific volume and osteoid seam width decreased with age. Relative osteoid volume and fractional formation surface were higher in males between the ages of 21-40 years than in females. Other parameters showed no age- or sex-related difference. The results indicated that bone loss with age is due to a reduction in number of trabeculae and not of mean thickness of trabeculae.