Age- and sex-related changes of humeral head microarchitecture: histomorphometric analysis of 60 human specimens.

TY - JOUR

T1 - Age- and sex-related changes of humeral head microarchitecture: histomorphometric analysis of 60 human specimens.

AU - Barvencik, Florian

AU - Gebauer, Matthias

AU - Beil, Frank Timo

AU - Vettorazzi, Eik

AU - Mumme, Marcus

AU - Rupprecht, Martin

AU - Pogoda, Pia

AU - Wegscheider, Karl

AU - Rueger, Johannes M

AU - Pueschel, Klaus

AU - Amling, Michael

PY - 2009

Y1 - 2009

N2 - Fractures of the humeral head are frequent and will further increase due to demographic changes. Prior to operative fracture treatment, the regional differences of bone quality, especially of elderly people, have to be carefully considered to assure stable implant fixation. However, conclusive data concerning the variation of histomorphometric parameters are still lacking. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to analyze the age- and sex-related changes in bone microarchitecture. For that reason, 60 proximal humeri were harvested from patients at autopsy. Twelve regions of interest (ROI) were defined for each centered coronar humeral head slice and the specimens were subjected to radiographic, histological, and histomorphometric analyses. We could demonstrate that in contrast to men, women over 60 years of age had a significant age-related decrease in bone mass. The most prominent decrease was observed in the region of the greater tuberosity, which represents an osteoporotic fracture site. The most superior and medially located part of the centered coronar humeral head slice showed, independent from age and sex, the highest bone mass and can therefore be considered as the best location for subchondral screw placement. Taken together, our study revealed distinct sex-related changes of the humeral head bone microarchitecture with aging, which should be considered in implant positioning. (c) 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res.

AB - Fractures of the humeral head are frequent and will further increase due to demographic changes. Prior to operative fracture treatment, the regional differences of bone quality, especially of elderly people, have to be carefully considered to assure stable implant fixation. However, conclusive data concerning the variation of histomorphometric parameters are still lacking. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to analyze the age- and sex-related changes in bone microarchitecture. For that reason, 60 proximal humeri were harvested from patients at autopsy. Twelve regions of interest (ROI) were defined for each centered coronar humeral head slice and the specimens were subjected to radiographic, histological, and histomorphometric analyses. We could demonstrate that in contrast to men, women over 60 years of age had a significant age-related decrease in bone mass. The most prominent decrease was observed in the region of the greater tuberosity, which represents an osteoporotic fracture site. The most superior and medially located part of the centered coronar humeral head slice showed, independent from age and sex, the highest bone mass and can therefore be considered as the best location for subchondral screw placement. Taken together, our study revealed distinct sex-related changes of the humeral head bone microarchitecture with aging, which should be considered in implant positioning. (c) 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res.

M3 - SCORING: Zeitschriftenaufsatz

JO - J ORTHOP RES

JF - J ORTHOP RES

SN - 0736-0266

ER -