Differences in Vertebral Strength Changes with Age in Men and Women
Author Information
Author(s): Christiansen Blaine A, Kopperdahl David L, Kiel Douglas P, Keaveny Tony M, Bouxsein Mary L
Primary Institution: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Hypothesis
Do structural and geometric changes with age differ in men and women, making women more susceptible to vertebral fractures?
Conclusion
Men and women lose vertebral bone differently with age, particularly in the peripheral (cortical) compartment, which may contribute to the higher incidence of vertebral fractures among women.
Supporting Evidence
- Vertebral strength decreased with age 2-fold more in women than in men.
- The strength of the trabecular compartment declined significantly with age for both sexes.
- The strength of the peripheral compartment decreased with age in women but was largely maintained in men.
- The proportion of mechanical strength attributable to the peripheral compartment increased with age in both sexes.
Takeaway
As people get older, women's bones in their backs get weaker faster than men's, which can lead to more fractures for women.
Methodology
Finite element analysis of clinical CT scans of lumbar (L3) and thoracic (T10) vertebrae from young and old men and women.
Potential Biases
The study primarily included white participants, which may limit generalizability.
Limitations
The study was cross-sectional, and the sample size was modest (n = 30 subjects/group).
Participant Demographics
30 young men (ages 35-42), 30 young women (ages 36-41), 30 old men (ages 73-82), and 30 old women (ages 74-83).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = .0008
Statistical Significance
p<0.0125
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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