Short Communication

Correspondence between theoretical models and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements of femoral cross-sectional growth during adolescence

  1. Marjolein C. H. van der Meulen1,3,*,
  2. Robert Marcus2,4,
  3. Laura K. Bachrach5 and
  4. Dennis R. Carter1,3

Article first published online: 18 FEB 2005

DOI: 10.1002/jor.1100150323

Issue

Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Volume 15, Issue 3, pages 473–476, May 1997


Additional Information

How to Cite

van der Meulen, M. C. H., Marcus, R., Bachrach, L. K. and Carter, D. R. (1997), Correspondence between theoretical models and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements of femoral cross-sectional growth during adolescence. J. Orthop. Res., 15: 473–476. doi: 10.1002/jor.1100150323

Author Information

  1. 1

    Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, Palo Alto, U.S.A.

  2. 2

    Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, U.S.A.

  3. 3

    Biomechanical Engineering Division, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, U.S.A.

  4. 4

    Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, U.S.A.

  5. 5

    Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, U.S.A.

*Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, 222 Upson Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853–7501, U.S.A.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 18 FEB 2005
  2. Article first published online: 18 FEB 2005
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 18 FEB 1997
  4. Manuscript Received: 25 MAR 1996

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Abstract

We have developed an analytical model of long bone cross-sectional ontogeny in which appositional growth of the diaphysis is primarily driven by mechanical stimuli associated with increasing body mass during growth and development. In this study, our goal was to compare theoretical predictions of femoral diaphyseal structure from this model with measurements of femoral bone mineral and geometry by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Measurements of mid-diaphyseal femoral geometry and structure were made previously in 101 Caucasian adolescents and young adults 9–26 years of age. The data on measured bone mineral content and calculated section modulus were compared with the results of our analytical model of cross-sectional development of the human femur over the same age range. Both bone mineral content and section modulus showed good correspondence with experimental measurements when the relationships with age and body mass were examined. Strong linear relationships were evident for both parameters when examined as a function of body mass.

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