Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
[Bone mineral density and fracture risk in patients with ankylosing spondylitis]
1Reumatologisk Afsnit, Medicinsk Afdeling C, Gentofte Hospital, DK-2900 Hellerup. rintek@dadlnet.dk
Abstract:
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine. Bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced in AS, particularly in male patients. Syndesmophyte formation may cause falsely increased BMD of the spine. The risk of spinal compression fractures may be 7-fold increased compared with healthy individuals. An increased risk of peripheral fractures has not been described. Structural spinal changes in advanced AS predispose to unstable vertebral fractures. Antiresorptive treatment is recommended for osteoporotic patients with AS, but the effect on BMD has never been studied in these patients.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Spongy Bone
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
What is the Skeletal System?
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
The Bone Matrix
![Quantitative [18F]-Naf-PET-MRI Analysis for the Evaluation of Dynamic Bone Turnover in a Patient with Facetogenic Low Back Pain](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F58491.jpg&w=3840&q=50)