Osteopenia in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a histomorphometric study.
METHODS
Bone biopsies from iliac crest and spinous process of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients were obtained intraoperatively for histology and histomorphometric analysis.


OBJECTIVE
To study the histologic features of cancellous bone and to correlate the histomorphometric variables with preoperative bone mineral density in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.


BACKGROUND
Low bone mineral density has been reported in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. However, there is limited information about the histopathologic changes.


METHODS
Undecalcified and decalcified bone specimens from iliac crest and spinous process of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients obtained intraoperatively were stained with Goldner and hematoxylin & eosin stain, respectively. Results were correlated with bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and proximal femur measured before surgery.


RESULTS
Bone histology showed significant less osteocyte count in the trabecular bone characterized with smooth and continuous borders in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Histomorphometry confirmed the lower static parameters. The results correlated well with the decreased bone mineral density.


CONCLUSIONS
Bone biopsy study suggested disturbance of bone turnover in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The abnormal metabolism might contribute to the low bone mineral density and play an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong. jackcheng@cuhk.edu.hk
J C
JC
Cheng
S P
SP
Tang
X
X
Guo
C W
CW
Chan
L
L
Qin
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005272:Femur Neck / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013131:Spine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology