Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2025

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Skeletal changes of the axial axis and lower limbs in overweight children and adolescents
Pietra Luz Moleirinho Lima1, Mateus de Paiva Breziniscki1, Guilherme Henrique Pedrassoli1
1Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Objective:
To evaluate the presence of axial skeletal deviations in children and adolescents and to relate them to body mass index (BMI), age and sex.
Methods:
101 patients aged 7 to 17 years old were included in this study; exclusion criteria were primary orthopedic diseases and syndromes or treatments that affect growth. Patients were grouped according to their BMI Z-score: eutrophic (n=29), overweight (n=18) and obese (n=54). They underwent static clinical inspection was made by simetrographic technique. Intermaleolar distance was obtained, Adam's forward bend and tiptoe tests were performed.
Results:
When comparing obese and eutrophic patients, changes in the cervical spine (p<0.01), spine (p<0.001), hip (p<0.01) and shoulders (p<0.001) were present in more than half of the obese patients (62.5%, 62.2%, 79.9% and 55.4%, respectively). Changes in the knees were more frequent among obese (p<0.001) when compared to eutrophic patients. There was no variation regarding age or sex (p>0.05).
Conclusions:
being overweight influences skeletal deviations in children and adolescents.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Signs of Puberty
The Functions of the Skeletal System
Introduction to the Skeletal System
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
Overview of the Axial Skeleton
The axial skeleton of the...
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...

