Changes in bone density and cortical thickness of the second metacarpal between the ages of 3 and 74 years as a method for investigating bone mineral metabolism

Abstract

An examination of cortical thickness of the 2nd metacarpal, presented the process of progressive development between the ages of 3 yr. and about 24-28 yr. and of later regressive development (osteoporosis), which becomes particularly intensified after the age of 50. A method was presented for the evaluation of optical density in vivo, which eliminated the influences of soft tissue and minimum film density. Because of the normalization of results for standard density, results were obtained that were independent of both X-ray exposure and film development techniques. As a result of a comparison of optical density with cortical thickness a completely different course of changes was found in the interrelationship of the course of these 2 processes in men and in women. The solution to this problem should be sought in studies of the micro-structure and chemical composition of bone tissue. Charts were presented for the evaluation of the course of development in cortical thickness of the 2nd metacarpal.