CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THEORETICAL-MODELS AND DUAL-ENERGY X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY MEASUREMENTS OF FEMORAL CROSS-SECTIONAL GROWTH DURING ADOLESCENCE

We have developed an analytical model of long bone cross-sectional ont ogeny in which appositional growth of the diaphysis is primarily drive n by mechanical stimuli associated with increasing body mass during gr owth and development. In this study? our goal was to compare theoretic al predictions of femoral diaphyseal structure from this model with me asurements of femoral bone mineral and geometry by dual energy x-ray a bsorptiometry Measurements of mid-diaphyseal femoral geometry and stru cture were made previously in 101 Caucasian adolescents and young adul ts 9-26 years of age. The data on measured bone mineral content and ca lculated section modulus were compared with the results of our analyti cal model of cross-sectional development of the human femur over the s ame age range. Both bone mineral content and section modulus showed go od correspondence with experimental measurements when the relationship s with age and body mass were examined. Strong linear relationships we re evident for both parameters when examined as a function of body mas s.