Paediatric osteology - current examination methodsReview articles

M. Bayer

Clin Osteol 2011; 16(2): 31-37

Paediatric osteology is concerned with disorders of mineral metabolism, development and maturation of the skeleton. Careful physi­ cal examination, personal and family history are fundamental for the assessment of bone status in childhood. Imaging investigation consists of plain X-ray, bone mineral density measurement (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, quantitative computed tomography), quantitative ultrasound densitometry, and scintigraphy of the skeleton. All these methods have certain indications and limitations. Biochemical markers predominantly reflect individual bone growth rates in children and adolescents and they are not yet appropria­ te...

Atypical fractures and long-term antiresorptive therapy of osteoporosisReview articles

J. Štěpán, J. Vaculík, P. Dungl

Clin Osteol 2011; 16(2): 38-42

Skeletal remodelling replacing weak bone with new bone is the key event regulating bone mass and quality. The decrease in osteoblast activity and the rate of involutional bone loss with age in healthy individuals may be negatively influenced by circulating endogenous glucocorticoids. Chronic imbalances in bone remodelling may result in disabling bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Reductions in the number of active remodelling sites by antiresorptive drugs reduce the loss of bone that occurs through remodelling and maintains bo­ ne mineral density (BMD) and architecture. The antiresorptive drugs suppress specifically at the remodelling sites and probably...

Effect of denosumab therapy on selected bone quality markers in postmenopausal osteoporosisReview articles

P. Horák

Clin Osteol 2011; 16(2): 43-51

Denosumab is a fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody with highly specific and strong affinity for RANK ligand, which prevents for­ mation of osteoclasts, inhibits their function and shortens their survival. In phase II and III clinical trials, many aspects of the effect of denosumab were studied, including direct comparison with active comparator alendronate. The effect of denosumab on numerous parameters of bone quality was studied as well. Histological and histomorphometric studies confirmed maintenance of normal bone structure despite a strong antiresorptive effect of the drug with diminished formation of tetracycline bone labels. Analyses of the...

Bone ageing and the role of osteocytesInformations

J. Blahoš

Clin Osteol 2011; 16(2): 52-54

The article provides an overview of physiological and pathophysiological processes of human ageing with special respect to bone age­ ing. Ageing is characterized by changes in the proportion of osteoblasts, responsible for bone formation, and osteoclasts, responsible for bone resorption. Among other things, this results in impaired mineralization, osteoporosis and a higher risk of fractures. In recent years, studies on bone ageing have focused mainly on osteocytes, osteoblasts within bones. Until recently, osteocytes were considered mechanosensors maintaining elasticity of bone under pressure. Osteocytes, with their extensions (canals) have been shown...

News from around the worldLiterature

Clin Osteol 2011; 16(2): 55-59