Ethnic differences in bone geometry and strength are apparent in childhood

Adolescence and Acquisition of Peak Bone Mass

“…Unlike the Gilsanz et al [136] study, the differences in vertebral cancellous BMD were less apparent by Tanner stage 5 in this study [137]. Wetzsteon et al [138] showed in younger adolescents (9e12 years of age) that both blacks and Hispanics have greater radius and tibia vBMD, cortical area and bone strength than whites, after correcting for age, sex as well as bone and muscle size. Similarly, Pollock et al [139] found in late adolescents that when correcting for muscle cross-sectional area and limb length, blacks vs. whites had greater trabecular and cortical bone strength at the tibia, but not the radius.…”

Effects of Sex, Race, and Puberty on Cortical Bone and the Functional Muscle Bone Unit in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

“…The Gilsanz study (26) did not address whether the race effects differed according to Tanner stage or whether race differences in cortical geometry persisted after adjustment for the greater femur length in the black subjects. The second study assessed pQCT measures in 21 white and 23 black children, ages 9 -12 yr (27). Tibia cortical BMD and total area were significantly greater in blacks compared with whites, adjusted for age, sex, tibia length, and muscle area.…”

Quantitative Computed Tomography and Computed Tomography in Children

“…Several years ago, Wetzsteon et al [11] examined ethnic differences in bone strength of the radius and tibia in healthy US children (n=63), 9 to 12 years of age, of European and African ancestry and Hispanic ethnicity. Children of European ancestry had significantly lower bone strength (polar strain strength index and bone strength index) than African American and Hispanic children after adjusting for age, sex, limb length, and muscle crosssectional area.…”