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Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®
Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® 8/2011

01-08-2011 | Symposium: Bone Quality: From Bench to Bedside

Functional Interactions Among Morphologic and Tissue Quality Traits Define Bone Quality

Author: Karl J. Jepsen, PhD

Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® | Issue 8/2011

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Abstract

Background

Advances in diagnostic and treatment regimens that aim to reduce fracture incidence will benefit from a better understanding of how bone morphology and tissue quality define whole-bone mechanical properties.

Questions/purposes

The goal of this article was to review what is known about the interactions among morphologic and tissue quality traits and how these interactions contribute to bone quality (ie, whole-bone mechanical function). Several questions were addressed. First, how do interactions among morphology and tissue quality traits relate to functional adaptation? Second, what are the emergent patterns of functionally adapted trait sets in long bones? Third, how effective is phenotypic integration at establishing function across a population? Fourth, what are the emergent patterns of functionally adapted trait sets in corticocancellous structures? Fifth, how do functional interactions change with aging?

Methods

A literature review was conducted with papers identified primarily through citations listed in reference sections as well as general searches using Google Scholar and PubMed.

Results

The interactions among adult traits or phenotypic integration are an emergent property of the compensatory mechanisms complex systems used to establish function or homeostasis. Traits are not regulated independently but vary simultaneously (ie, covary) in specific ways to establish function. This covariation results in individuals acquiring unique sets of traits to establish bone quality.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Biologic constraints imposed on the skeletal system result in a population showing a pattern of trait sets that is predictable based on external bone size and that can be used to identify individuals with reduced bone quality relative to their bone size and body size.
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Metadata
Title
Functional Interactions Among Morphologic and Tissue Quality Traits Define Bone Quality
Author
Karl J. Jepsen, PhD
Publication date
01-08-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® / Issue 8/2011
Print ISSN: 0009-921X
Electronic ISSN: 1528-1132
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-010-1706-9

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