THE BONE Flashcards
What is bone made up of ?
Collagen which is radiolucent and Calcium which attaches on to the collagen.
Also Phosphates.
What changes in terms of calcium production when we reach skeletal maturity ?
The calcium production / turnover reduces to about 20 %.
If you have an Osteosclerotic condition (e.g. paget’s) what would the metabolism of bone look like in terms of Osteoblastic and Osteoclastic action ?
Normal Osteoclastic action but there will be an increase in Osteoblastic action.
The equilibrium between two has been lost.
Describe the formation of bone for an Osteopenic bone ?
Increase in Osteoclastic action and a normal Osteoblastic action.
How can you judge Osteopenia on a hand Xray looking at the metacarpals ?
Looking at the 2nd or 3rd metacarpals.
Take an added up score of the cortices on either side. This combined cortical thickness should be no less than 50 percent of the bone width.
What factors influence bone density ?
1) Pituitary gland and the release of a growth hormone. Increase in calcium retention.
2) Parathyroid gland and Parathormone. Responsible for Osteoclastic action.
3) Healthy diet.
4) Intestinal absorption
Explain how Hyperparathyroidism can cause Osteopenia ?
The Parathyroid gland is overactive. Therefore increase in activity of the Osteoclasts. Reducing the calcium that is present in the bone.
Explain how a patient with Osteomalacia would have Osteopenic bone ?
They have a dietary sufficiency. the osteoclastic and Osteoblastic actions are equal but there is no nutritional supplementation.
What is Osteomalacia and what can it lead to ?
Softening of bones due to insufficient vitamin D which leads to Rickets in adulthood.
Is the matrix affected in patients with Osteopenia ?
Yes. Less surface area for the Osteoblasts to work on.
