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Published in: Current Osteoporosis Reports 2/2017

01-04-2017 | Biomechanics (M Silva and K Jepsen, Section Editors)

Sex-Differences in Skeletal Growth and Aging

Author: Jeri W. Nieves

Published in: Current Osteoporosis Reports | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

There have been numerous published reports describing skeletal differences between males and females. The goal of this report is to describe recent findings to help elucidate remaining questions.

Recent Findings

It is known that even in youth, there are sex differences in skeletal health. One recent report suggests these differences are evident at 6 years of age. With the availability of newer imaging techniques, specifically HRpQCT and microCT-3D, micro-architectural differences related to sex-differences have been studied. This has highlighted the importance of cortical porosity in describing possible sex differences in fracture risk.

Summary

We have a better understanding of skeletal microarchitecture that highlights sex differences in both growth and aging that may relate to fracture risk, although more longitudinal studies are needed. Sex differences in microarchitecture, particularly cortical porosity may also be important in understanding any, as of yet unknown, sex differences in fracture reduction with treatment.
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Metadata
Title
Sex-Differences in Skeletal Growth and Aging
Author
Jeri W. Nieves
Publication date
01-04-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Osteoporosis Reports / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1544-1873
Electronic ISSN: 1544-2241
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-017-0349-0

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