Contents

Search

age-associated changes in the skeletal system

The skeletal system undergoes change with aging. Physiology: 1) decreased osteoclast bone formation 2) osteoporosis a) both trabecular bone & cortical bone affected b) women > men c) slower healing of fractures 3) disorder of cartilage matrix - loss of fluid from intervertebral discs resulting in shortening of the spine, kyphosis [5] - joints become stiffer & less flexible 4) modified proteoglycans & glycosaminoglycans 5) osteoarthritis

Related

bone disease; osteopathia orthopedic disorders in the elderly skeleton (skeletal system)

General

age-related physiological changes

References

  1. Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics, 4th ed, Kane RL et al (eds) McGraw Hill, NY, 1999
  2. UCLA Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine & Board Review, Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 29-Oct 2, 2004
  3. The Merck Manual of Geriatrics, 3rdh ed, Merck & Co, Rahway NJ, 2000
  4. Taffet GE, Physiology of Aging, In: Geriatric Medicine: An Evidence-Based Approach, 4th ed, Cassel CK et al (eds), Springer-Verlag, New York, 2003
  5. Geriatric Review Syllabus, 8th edition (GRS8) Durso SC and Sullivan GN (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2013