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Archives of Osteoporosis

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01-12-2014 | Original Article

Age-related variation in limb bone diaphyseal structure among Inuit foragers from Point Hope, northern Alaska

Authors: I. J. Wallace, A. Nesbitt, C. Mongle, E. S. Gould, F. E. Grine

Published in: Archives of Osteoporosis | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Summary

Age-related deterioration of limb bone diaphyseal structure is documented among precontact Inuit foragers from northern Alaska. These findings challenge the concept that bone loss and fracture susceptibility among modern Inuit stem from their transition away from a physically demanding traditional lifestyle toward a more sedentary Western lifestyle.

Introduction

Skeletal fragility is rare among foragers and other traditional-living societies, likely due to their high physical activity levels. Among modern Inuit, however, severe bone loss and fractures are apparently common. This is possibly because of recent Western influences and increasing sedentism. To determine whether compromised bone structure and strength among the Inuit are indeed aberrant for a traditional-living group, data were collected on age-related variation in limb bone diaphyseal structure from a group predating Western influences.

Methods

Skeletons of 184 adults were analyzed from the Point Hope archaeological site. Mid-diaphyseal structure was measured in the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, and tibia using CT. Structural differences were assessed between young, middle-aged, and old individuals.

Results

In all bones examined, both females and males exhibited significant age-related reductions in bone quantity. With few exceptions, total bone (periosteal) area did not significantly increase between young and old age in either sex, nor did geometric components of bending rigidity (second moments of area).

Conclusions

While the physically demanding lifestyles of certain traditional-living groups may protect against bone loss and fracture susceptibility, this is not the case among the Inuit. It remains possible, however, that Western characteristics of the modern Inuit lifestyle exacerbate age-related skeletal deterioration.

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Title: Age-related variation in limb bone diaphyseal structure among Inuit foragers from Point Hope, northern Alaska
Authors: I. J. Wallace
A. Nesbitt
C. Mongle
E. S. Gould
F. E. Grine
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Archives of Osteoporosis / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1862-3522
Electronic ISSN: 1862-3514
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-014-0202-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Age-related variation in limb bone diaphyseal structure among Inuit foragers from Point Hope, northern Alaska

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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