Cortical Histomorphometry of the Human Humerus During Ontogeny

Date

2017

Authors

Pitfield, Rosie
Miszkiewicz, Justyna
Mahoney, Patrick

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Springer

Abstract

Modeling and remodeling are two key determinants of human skeletal growth though little is known about the histomorphometry of cortical bone during ontogeny. In this study, we examined the density and geometric properties of primary and secondary osteons (osteon area and diameter, vascular canal area and diameter) in subperiosteal cortical bone from the human humerus (n = 84) between birth and age 18 years. Sections were removed from the anterior midshaft aspect of humeri from skeletons. Age-at-death was reconstructed using standard osteological techniques. Analyses revealed significant correlation between the histomorphometric variables and age. Higher densities of primary osteons occurred between infancy and 7 years of age but were almost completely replaced by secondary osteons after 14 years of age. The geometry of primary osteons was less clearly related to age. Secondary osteons were visible after 2 years of age and reached their greatest densities in the oldest individuals. Osteon size was positively but weakly influenced by age. Our data imply that modeling and remodeling are age-dependent processes that vary markedly from birth to adulthood in the human humerus

Description

Keywords

Primary osteon, Secondary osteon, Modeling, Remodeling, Humerus, Cortex

Citation

Source

Calcified Tissue International

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

License Rights

Restricted until

2099-12-31