Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
07:10
A Sectioning, Coring, and Image Processing Guide for High-Throughput Cortical Bone Sample Procurement and Analysis for Synchrotron Micro-CT
Published on: June 12, 2020
Age-related changes in iliac crest cortical width and porosity: a histomorphometric study
Shobna Vedi1, Stephen Kaptoge, J E Compston
1Department of Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
Journal of Anatomy
|March 2, 2011
Summary
Aging humans experience reduced cortical bone width and increased Haversian canal density in the iliac crest. However, overall cortical porosity remains unchanged with age.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Gerontology
- Bone Histomorphometry
Background:
- While age-related changes in cancellous bone are understood, cortical bone alterations are less characterized.
- Understanding cortical bone aging is crucial for skeletal health assessment in older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related structural changes in human iliac crest cortical bone.
- To determine sex-based differences in age-related cortical bone remodeling.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of iliac crest bone biopsy specimens from 54 normal individuals (23 men, 31 women) aged 18-90 years.
- Quantitative assessment of cortical width, area, Haversian canal density, and porosity.
Main Results:
- Significant decrease in cortical width and area with age (P=0.002 and <0.001, respectively), with no sex difference.
- Significant increase in Haversian canal density with age (~9% per decade, P=0.032).
- No significant overall age-related change in cortical porosity despite increased Haversian canal density.
Conclusions:
- Iliac crest cortical bone shows age-related thinning and increased Haversian canal density in both sexes.
- Cortical porosity does not significantly change with age, suggesting compensatory mechanisms.
- Findings contribute to understanding age-associated skeletal remodeling and potential fracture risk factors.
