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Inter-site Variability of the Human Osteocyte Lacunar Network: Implications for Bone Quality

  • Osteocytes (J Klein Nulend, Section editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This article provides a review on the variability of the osteocyte lacunar network in the human skeleton. It highlights characteristics of the osteocyte lacunar network in relation to different skeletal sites and fracture susceptibility.

Recent Findings

Application of 2D analyses (quantitative backscattered electron microscopy, histology, confocal laser scanning microscopy) and 3D reconstructions (microcomputed tomography and synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography) provides extended high-resolution information on osteocyte lacunar properties in individuals of various age (fetal, children’s growth, elderly), sex, and disease states with increased fracture risk.

Summary

Recent findings on the distribution of osteocytes in the human skeleton are reviewed. Quantitative data highlighting the variability of the osteocyte lacunar network is presented with special emphasis on site specificity and maintenance of bone health. The causes and consequences of heterogeneous distribution of osteocyte lacunae both within specific regions of interest and on the skeletal level are reviewed and linked to differential bone quality factors and fracture susceptibility.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the support from the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and the Serbian Ministry of Education and Science (III45005).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Lottestrasse 55A, 22529, Hamburg, Germany

    Petar Milovanovic & Björn Busse

  2. Laboratory for Anthropology and Skeletal Biology, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

    Petar Milovanovic

  3. Forum Medical Technology Health Hamburg (FMTHH), Heisenberg Research Group of Biomedical Sciences, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany

    Björn Busse

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  1. Petar Milovanovic
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Milovanovic, P., Busse, B. Inter-site Variability of the Human Osteocyte Lacunar Network: Implications for Bone Quality. Curr Osteoporos Rep 17, 105–115 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-019-00508-y

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