Dimorphism in axial and appendicular dimensions, cortical and trabecular microstructure and matrix mineral density in Chinese and Caucasian women

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Appendicular fractures are less common in Chinese than Caucasian women. Bone mineral density (BMD) is lower, not higher than in Caucasians because Chinese have smaller appendicular dimensions than Caucasians. However, smaller bones may offset the liability to fracture by being assembled with a more robust microstructure. We hypothesized that Chinese assemble an appendicular skeleton with a thicker, less porous and more mineralized cortex that is less deteriorated in advanced age than in Caucasians. METHODS: We compared anthropometry in 477 Chinese and 278 Caucasian women and compared bone microstructure using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography in anothe..