Maiken Parm Ulhøi1, Karoline Meldgaard2, Torben Steiniche3, Anders Odgaard4, Annie Vesterby1. 1. Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Aarhus, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200, Arhus N, Denmark. 2. Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital West Jutland, Gl. Landevej 61, DK-7400, Herning, Denmark. 3. Institute of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark. 4. Department of Orthopaedics, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Kildegaardsvej 28, DK-2900, Hellerup, Denmark.
Abstract
Chronic alcohol abuse (CAA) has deleterious effects on skeletal health. This study examined the impact of CAA on bone with regard to bone density, structure, and strength. Bone specimens from 42 individuals with CAA and 42 individuals without alcohol abuse were obtained at autopsy. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), compression testing, ashing, and bone histomorphometry were performed. Individuals with CAA had significantly lower bone mineral density (BMD) in the femoral neck and significantly lower bone volume demonstrated by thinner trabeculae, decreased extent of osteoid surfaces, and lower mean wall thickness of trabecular osteons compared to individuals without alcohol abuse. No significant difference was found for bone strength and structure. CONCLUSION: CAA leads to low bone mass due to a decrease in bone formation but with no destruction of bone architecture nor a decrease in bone strength. It is questionable whether this per se increases fracture risk.
Chronic alcohol abuse (CAA) has deleterious effects on skeletal health. This study examined the impact of CAA on bone with regard to bone density, structure, and strength. Bone specimens from 42 individuals with CAA and 42 individuals without alcohol abuse were obtained at autopsy. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), compression testing, ashing, and bone histomorphometry were performed. Individuals with CAA had significantly lower bone mineral density (BMD) in the femoral neck and significantly lower bone volume demonstrated by thinner trabeculae, decreased extent of osteoid surfaces, and lower mean wall thickness of trabecular osteons compared to individuals without alcohol abuse. No significant difference was found for bone strength and structure. CONCLUSION: CAA leads to low bone mass due to a decrease in bone formation but with no destruction of bone architecture nor a decrease in bone strength. It is questionable whether this per se increases fracture risk.
Authors: Mary Lauren Benton; Vanessa A Jimenez; Natali Newman; Steven W Gonzales; Kathleen A Grant; Russell T Turner; Urszula T Iwaniec; Erich J Baker Journal: Bone Rep Date: 2021-12-11