Re: Re: Stable Bones?

February 15, 2006

I believe " stability " is a mis-leading term if we are referring to the

relative level of mineralization of the intracortical bone matrix.

Typically, the term " density " as in " bone mineral density " is used in the

biomedical literature I have read. Using the term " stability " may confuse

our conversation regarding the stabilizing mechanisms of the lumbar spine

and the effects of exercise (or lack thereof, depending on type) on the

deposition minerals into the vertebral matrix. I would suggest we supplant

the term " stability " with " density " with regard to our discussion of the

strength of the vertebrae to resist compressive force.

To further clarify our terminology, the term " stability " is often applied to

the spine in context other than as " core stability " when referring to

" clinical " instability in those situations when the amount of movement that

occurs in the spine is significantly greater than physiological movement,

usually in cases of degeneration or trauma. Yochum and Rowe state, " the term

instability has been loosely applied to the demonstration of increased

movement or loss of stiffness between two vertebral segments. It is,

however, poorly understood and imprecisely defined. Punjabi and White have

provided some objective benchmarks based on radiographic measurements.

However, I refer to this as " clinical instability " , as it is often done it

my part of the world, to differentiate this pathological and potentially

life-threatening situation from an individual with poor " core " stability.

Callister, DC, CSCS

San Francisco

>

> > The density of bones, in particular the spinal bones or vertabrae,

> > are subject to disease which is most prevelant. You can see this

> > with individuals that are elderly, especially in women, but

> > certainly not to exclude men. Also, individuals who are taking

> > medications that accelerate the loss of bone density (Osteoperosis)

> > such as long term use of Prednisone, which is clearly known in

> > studies worldwide.

> >

> > There are numerous other reasons for this, which I will avoid

> > listing to answer your question. When these bones lose their

> > internal matrix or stability (strength) or density...you see

> > I.C.F.'s...(Intervertebral compression fractures) This is also

> >known extensively worldwide.

>

> ***If one refers to an individual as having a low bone mineral

> density, it also implies low bone stability and vice versa? I did a

> search on Pubmed, Medscape, Wikipedia and referred to a number of

> exercise physiology / anatomy books but couldn't find any reference

> to low or high bone stability.

>

> Thanks again

> Carruthers

> Wakefield, UK

February 15, 2006

,

I would concur, that if my context was to be taken in a " clinically correct "

definition it would probably not fly that well...lol. Yes it was MY way of

trying to present the particular idea of strength of bones vs. stability of

bones,(density) and as you saw I also did include the word density....but

albeit I would concur with your statement(s).

Yours in health,

Forbes

OrthoPro101