Radiographic evidence of disuse osteoporosis in the monkey (M. nemestrina)

Radiological techniques were utilized for monitoring progressive changes in compact bone in the tibia of monkeys during experimentally induced osteopenia. Bone mass loss in the tibia during restraint was evaluated from radiographs, from bone mineral analysis, and from images reconstructed from gamma ray computerized tomography. The losses during 6 months of restraint tended to occur predominantly in the proximal tibia and were characterized by subperiosteal bone loss, intracortical striations, and scalloped endosteal surfaces. Bone mineral content in the cross section of the tibia declined 17-21%. Tomography demonstrated endosteal widening and reduced mineral content per unit of thickness of cortical bone. In 6 months of recovery, the mineral content of the proximal tibia remained depressed. Effects of the dynamic environment on local-regional changes in various skeletal areas are discussed.