Histomorphometric parameters of iliac bone in healthy individuals: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite its invasive character, bone biopsy followed by histomorphometry remains the gold standard for diagnosing and classifying many metabolic bone diseases. However, the interpretation of histomorphometric parameters requires comparison with average values obtained from a proper control group, which are only available for some populations, and reference standards still need to be published. Therefore, our objective was to estimate average values for bone histomorphometric parameters overall, by age, gender, and race (White and Black) categories of healthy adult individuals, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies. Relevant studies published in English with available results until December 2020 were identified by PubMed (Medline) search and consulting experts in the field. Out of 447 potentially relevant studies, 37 met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis using fixed-effects models was used to pool mean estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for 16 bone histomorphometry parameters.

An age-by-gender trend was observed in most histomorphometry parameters. The mean estimates of bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular number (Tb.N) decreased. In contrast, trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) increased from the youngest to the oldest age categories in both genders. Osteoblast surface (Ob.S/BS) and osteoclast surface (Oc.S/BS) decreased across all age categories in males. Mineralizing surface (MS/BS) increased from the youngest to the oldest age categories in females, while mineralization lag time (Mlt) increased in both genders. Furthermore, gender and race had a significant effect on several histomorphometry parameters.

In conclusion, this meta-analysis provided mean estimates for normal values of histomorphometric parameters that clinicians may use when evaluating bone biopsies in patients. This enables the direct comparison of patients' histomorphometric values with the suitable reference group regarding age, gender, and race.