Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
[Investigation on bone health conditions in 1637 aged women]
Hui-lin Li1, Han-min Zhu, Qun Cheng
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China. sirius1121@hotmail.com
Objective:
To investigate bone health conditions in 1637 aged women.
Methods:
From May 2004 to October 2008, Bone mineral density (BMD) of 1637 women at age of more than 60 years old were measured by Hologic DephiA dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXEA) in Huadong hospital affiliated to Fudan University. All data were compared and analyzed among each group which will be divided by every ten years. Those women were divided into groups on 10 years range. BMD of lumbar vertebral and hip bone, fracture incidence and bone turnover marker were compared and analyzed.
Results:
(1) BMD: at age of ≥90, 80-89, 70-79, 60-69, BMD of the lumbar vertebral 2-4 (L2-4) values were (0.96±0.18), (0.90±0.20), (0.81±0.16), (0.83±0.14) g/cm2, respectively. There were significantly increased BMD of lumbar of women at the age of 80-89 and ≥90 year-old compared with those of 60-69 year-old (P<0.05). At age of ≥90, 80-89, 70-79, 60-69 BMD of femur neck, Total, Torch, Ward's trianger were (0.60±0.11), (0.65±0.11), (0.47±0.09), (0.37±0.09) g/cm2; at age of 80-89 BMD of FN, Total, Torch, Ward's trianger were (0.57±0.10), (0.68±0.13), (0.48±0.11), (0.35±0.10) g/cm2; at age of 70-79 BMD of FN, Total, Torch, Ward's trianger were (0.57±0.10), (0.69±0.12), (0.49±0.10), (0.36±0.11) g/cm2; at age of 60-69 BMD of FN, Total, Torch, Ward's trianger were (0.63±0.10), (0.76±0.12), (0.54±0.10), (0.45±0.15) g/cm2; There were significantly decreased in BMD of hip at the age of 70-79, 80-89, ≥90 year-old compared with those of 60-69 year-old (P<0.05). (2) Fracture incidence:one time fracture incidence at age of 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, ≥90 were 34.8% (242/695), 45.0% (296/658), 51.3% (137/267), 5/17. There were increasing trend of fracture in aged women. (3) Bone turnover marker of bone Gla protein (BGP) N-mid (N-midBGP) in serum and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen/Cr (CTX/Cr) in urine values were (17±5) µg/L, (106±56) µg/mmol at age of more than 90 years, (17±7) µg/L, (128±99) µg/mmol at age of 80-89 years, (21±14) µg/L, (182±173) µg/mmol at age of 70-79 years, (25±13) µg/L, (190±168) µg/mmol at age of 60-69 years. There were significant decreased trends of N-midBGP at age of 70-79, 80-89 compared with that of 60-year (P<0.05). There were significant decreased trends of CTX/Cr 80-89 compared with that of 60-year (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
There were significant decreased bone metabolism in aged women. The risk of hip fracture is significantly increased in aged women. Diagnosis of osteoporosis based on BMD of hip in aged women is more reliable.
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...
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...
Study Designs in Epidemiology
Observational studies are those where the researcher does not intervene but rather observes natural variations. They include cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies.
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...