TY - JOUR
T1 - Ethnic differences in bone geometry and strength are apparent in childhood
AU - Wetzsteon, R. J.
AU - Hughes, J. M.
AU - Kaufman, B. C.
AU - Vazquez, G.
AU - Stoffregen, Thomas
AU - Stovitz, Steven D
AU - Petit, M. A.
N1 - Funding Information:
This work is supported by grants from the NIH NIAMS-K23 AR49040-01A1 (MP), and the University of Minnesota Grant-In-Aid (MP).
PY - 2009/5
Y1 - 2009/5
N2 - Purpose: Ethnic differences in bone strength and structure likely contribute to the disparity in fracture rates, however few studies have assessed bone structure in multiethnic cohorts of children. The purpose of this study was to investigate ethnic differences in bone strength in childhood and to characterize the structural bases for these differences. Methods: Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT 3000, Orthometrix) was used to assess bone parameters at the radius and tibia in Caucasian (CA, n = 21), African American (AA, n = 23), and Hispanic (HI, n = 29) children (10.9 ± 0.1 yrs). At the distal site (8%), we measured compressive bone strength (BSI), trabecular and total bone density, and total bone area. Polar strength-strain index, total and cortical bone area, and cortical density were assessed at the midshaft (50%). Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat CSA were measured at the tibia (66%) and the radius (50%). Physical activity and calcium intake were assessed by questionnaire. Analysis of covariance was used to compare bone outcomes among ethnic groups adjusting for age, sex, limb length and muscle CSA. Results: Age, BMI, and body composition were similar among the 3 groups, however AA children were taller and had longer bone length. At all sites, AA and HI children had higher bone strength (SSIp and BSI + 10-37%) than CA children due mainly to greater bone tissue density (2-18% > CA) at the distal sites of the radius and tibia. The greater bone strength at the midshaft was due to both a higher bone density (2-5%) and greater bone area than CA (7-18%). Conclusion: AA and HI children have significantly higher bone strength than CA children, due to greater bone volumetric density and greater cortical area. AA and HI children also have higher bone strength relative to load. These observations suggest that ethnic differences in bone strength manifest in childhood.
AB - Purpose: Ethnic differences in bone strength and structure likely contribute to the disparity in fracture rates, however few studies have assessed bone structure in multiethnic cohorts of children. The purpose of this study was to investigate ethnic differences in bone strength in childhood and to characterize the structural bases for these differences. Methods: Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT 3000, Orthometrix) was used to assess bone parameters at the radius and tibia in Caucasian (CA, n = 21), African American (AA, n = 23), and Hispanic (HI, n = 29) children (10.9 ± 0.1 yrs). At the distal site (8%), we measured compressive bone strength (BSI), trabecular and total bone density, and total bone area. Polar strength-strain index, total and cortical bone area, and cortical density were assessed at the midshaft (50%). Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat CSA were measured at the tibia (66%) and the radius (50%). Physical activity and calcium intake were assessed by questionnaire. Analysis of covariance was used to compare bone outcomes among ethnic groups adjusting for age, sex, limb length and muscle CSA. Results: Age, BMI, and body composition were similar among the 3 groups, however AA children were taller and had longer bone length. At all sites, AA and HI children had higher bone strength (SSIp and BSI + 10-37%) than CA children due mainly to greater bone tissue density (2-18% > CA) at the distal sites of the radius and tibia. The greater bone strength at the midshaft was due to both a higher bone density (2-5%) and greater bone area than CA (7-18%). Conclusion: AA and HI children have significantly higher bone strength than CA children, due to greater bone volumetric density and greater cortical area. AA and HI children also have higher bone strength relative to load. These observations suggest that ethnic differences in bone strength manifest in childhood.
KW - Bone geometry
KW - Bone strength
KW - Children
KW - Ethnicity
KW - Peripheral quantitative computed tomography
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U2 - 10.1016/j.bone.2009.01.006
DO - 10.1016/j.bone.2009.01.006
M3 - Article
C2 - 19442622
AN - SCOPUS:63449113084
SN - 8756-3282
VL - 44
SP - 970
EP - 975
JO - Bone
JF - Bone
IS - 5
ER -