Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
06:59
Author Spotlight: An Economic and Efficient Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Bone Microarchitecture in a Murine Osteoporosis Model
Published on: September 8, 2023
3.8K
Age-related changes in bone architecture
Vincenzo Giordano1, José Sérgio Franco2, Hilton Augusto Koch3
1- Service of Orthopedics and Traumatology Professor Nova New Monteiro, Miguel Couto County Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Revista Do Colegio Brasileiro De Cirurgioes
|September 30, 2016
Summary
Bone quality declines with age, impacting graft effectiveness. Elderly patients (over 65) show reduced osteogenic and compromised osteoconductive properties in iliac crest bone grafts.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Histology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Bone grafting is crucial for skeletal reconstruction.
- Understanding age-related changes in bone quality is essential for optimizing graft success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate age-related histologic and morphometric characteristics of anterior iliac crest bone biopsies.
- To assess the impact of aging on the osteogenic and osteoconductive properties of bone grafts.
Main Methods:
- 30 iliac crest bone samples were analyzed using brightfield optical microscopy.
- Samples were divided into three age groups: 25-39, 40-64, and 65+ years.
- Histological analysis assessed periosteal reserve, osteocyte lacunae, and vascularity; morphometric analysis quantified trabecular meshwork (Vv) and area (Sv).
Main Results:
- Histological degeneration with age included periosteal thinning, fibrous tissue replacement, reduced Haversian/Volkmann's canals, and osteocyte lacunae voids.
- Trabecular meshwork (Vv) significantly decreased by ~45% in individuals over 65 compared to younger groups.
- No significant differences in trabecular area (Sv) were observed between age groups.
Conclusions:
- Autologous bone grafts from elderly individuals (>65 years) exhibit diminished osteogenic potential.
- The osteoconductive capacity of bone grafts is compromised in older populations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
5.9K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
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...
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...
5.9K
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
3.9K
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
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...
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...
3.9K
01:40Bone Remodeling
40.9K
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
40.9K
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
4.1K
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
4.1K
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
4.6K
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during...
4.6K
01:09Spongy Bone
9.3K
All bones comprise an outer layer of compact bone, and an interior made up of spongy bone tissue, also called cancellous or trabecular bone. In long bones, spongy bone tissue is mainly found in the interior of the epiphyses (broad ends of the 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...
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...
9.3K