Bone histomorphometric study of iliac crest in normal Chinese subjects

The aim of the present study was to make available the reference data of bone histomorphometric parameters for iliac crest of normal Chinese subjects. 178 subjects were studied, including group A:97 patients with minor orthopaedic disorders (53 males and 44 females) and group B:81 healthy subjects of sudden death (52 males and 29 females). Bone samples were taken from the iliac 2 cm below the crest. With Polycut microtome, 5 microns undecalcified sections were made and stained with 1% toluidine blue. Under light microscope, bone sections were evaluated with Zeizz MOP-Video plan, elaborating 16 parameters for statistics. The data showed that some of them, such as CV/TTV, BV/TTV, TBV/SBV, S/V and MWT, had significant correlations with age, but some had not. Comparisons were made between group A and B, showing significant differences in several parameters. In discussion, an attempt was made to explain the significance of each parameter. It is suggested that bone histomorphometric parameters fluctuates with age and can be used for monitoring bone changes. In conclusion, bone histomorphometry is recommended as a useful research tool for clinical investigation of metabolic bone diseases of different kinds.