The Influence of Cortical Porosity on the Strength of Bone During Growth and Advancing Age

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bone densitometry provides a two-dimensional projected areal apparent bone mineral density that fails to capture the heterogeneity of bone's material composition and macro-, micro-, and nano-structures critical to its material and structural strength. Assessment of the structural basis of bone fragility has focused largely on trabecular bone based on the common occurrence of fragility fractures at sites with substantial amounts of trabecular bone. This review focuses on the contribution of cortical bone to bone fragility throughout life. RECENT FINDINGS: Accurately differentiating cortical and trabecular bone loss has important implications in quantifying bone fragility as..