This study investigated regional variations in the 3D microstructure of trabecular bone in human proximal femur, with respect to aging. The results demonstrate that age-related changes in trabecular microstructure significantly varied from different sub-regions of the proximal femur.
Introduction: We hypothesize that the age-related changes in trabecular bone microstructure appear to be varied from specific anatomic sub-regions of the proximal femur followed by non-uniform bone loss. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore regional variations in the 3D microstructure of trabecular bone in human proximal femur, with respect to aging.
Methods: A total of 162 trabecular bone cores from six regions of 27 femora of male cadaver donors were scanned using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The following microstructural parameters were calculated: bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), thickness (Tb.Th) and separation (Tb.Sp), structure model index (SMI), and degree of anisotropy (DOA).
Results: Age-related changes in trabecular microstructure varied from different regions of the proximal femur. There was a significant decrease in bone volume fraction and an almost identical decrease in trabecular thickness associated with aging at any region. Regional analysis demonstrated a significant difference in BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp, Tb.N and DOA between superior and inferior neck, as well as a significant difference in BV/TV, Tb.Sp, Tb.N, SMI and DOA between superior and inferior trochanter.
Conclusions: Age-related changes in bone loss and trabecular microstructure within the male proximal femur are not uniform in this cadaveric population.