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Osteoporosis International

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01-04-2013 | Original Article

Micro-finite element analysis applied to high-resolution MRI reveals improved bone mechanical competence in the distal femur of female pre-professional dancers

Authors: G. Chang, C. S. Rajapakse, M. Diamond, S. Honig, M. P. Recht, D. S. Weiss, R. R. Regatte

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 4/2013

Abstract

Summary

Micro-finite element analysis applied to high-resolution (0.234-mm length scale) MRI reveals greater whole and cancellous bone stiffness, but not greater cortical bone stiffness, in the distal femur of female dancers compared to controls. Greater whole bone stiffness appears to be mediated by cancellous, rather than cortical bone adaptation.

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to compare bone mechanical competence (stiffness) in the distal femur of female dancers compared to healthy, relatively inactive female controls.

Methods

This study had institutional review board approval. We recruited nine female modern dancers (25.7 ± 5.8 years, 1.63 ± 0.06 m, 57.1 ± 4.6 kg) and ten relatively inactive, healthy female controls matched for age, height, and weight (32.1 ± 4.8 years, 1.6 ± 0.04 m, 55.8 ± 5.9 kg). We scanned the distal femur using a 7-T MRI scanner and a three-dimensional fast low-angle shot sequence (TR/TE = 31 ms/5.1 ms, 0.234 mm × 0.234 mm × 1 mm, 80 slices). We applied micro-finite element analysis to 10-mm-thick volumes of interest at the distal femoral diaphysis, metaphysis, and epiphysis to compute stiffness and cross-sectional area of whole, cortical, and cancellous bone, as well as cortical thickness. We applied two-tailed t-tests and ANCOVA to compare groups.

Results

Dancers demonstrated greater whole and cancellous bone stiffness and cross-sectional area at all locations (p < 0.05). Cortical bone stiffness, cross-sectional area, and thickness did not differ between groups (>0.08). At all locations, the percent of intact whole bone stiffness for cortical bone alone was lower in dancers (p < 0.05). Adjustment for cancellous bone cross-sectional area eliminated significant differences in whole bone stiffness between groups (p > 0.07), but adjustment for cortical bone cross-sectional area did not (p < 0.03).

Conclusions

Modern dancers have greater whole and cancellous bone stiffness in the distal femur compared to controls. Elevated whole bone stiffness in dancers may be mediated via cancellous, rather than cortical bone adaptation.

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Title: Micro-finite element analysis applied to high-resolution MRI reveals improved bone mechanical competence in the distal femur of female pre-professional dancers
Authors: G. Chang
C. S. Rajapakse
M. Diamond
S. Honig
M. P. Recht
D. S. Weiss
R. R. Regatte
Publication date: 01-04-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-012-2105-8

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Springer Medicine

Micro-finite element analysis applied to high-resolution MRI reveals improved bone mechanical competence in the distal femur of female pre-professional dancers

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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