Histomorphometric analysis of normal bone from the iliac crest of Norwegian subjects

Transiliac bone biopsies were obtained from 72 healthy Norwegians (46 women) aged 21-81 years. Twenty-two men and 40 women were double-labelled with tetracycline. Histomorphometric analysis was done on undecalcified sections by means of point counting and simple measurements in order to establish normal mean values and ranges in a Norwegian population. The data obtained correspond well with those disclosed by other European studies. Osteoid surface was correlated with eroded surface in men but not in women. All bone measurements were independent of age in men. In women, all measured formation indices except apposition rate increased, while mean cortical thickness and cancellous bone volume decreased with age. Surface based bone formation rate also increased with age in women. Mean values for osteoid and labelled surfaces as well as bone formation rate were higher in men. The deviation from other reports may be due to a different age distribution with more older people in the present study.