The estimation of dermal collagen in osteoporotic patients by a histomorphometric method.

Sections of skin biopsies from the dorsum of the hand of patients with symptomatic osteoporosis were compared with those of carefully selected age-sex matched controls. The amount of dermal collagen in the osteoporotic individuals estimated by a histomorphometric method was found to be significantly less and severe degrees of collagen loss could be readily identified by microscopic examination. Distinct morphological abnormalities of the collagen fibres could also be observed in most patients with osteoporosis. This loss of dermal collagen is suggested to be the main factor responsible for the decrease in skin fold thickness and the frequently striking transparency of skin observed in association with osteoporosis.