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Objective. Although there is a well-established sex difference in the prevalence and severity of OA, the mechanism for this is not clear. The aim of this study was to examine the potential role of BMD and BMC in explaining gender differences in knee cartilage volume. Methods. A total of 153 subjects aged 2560 years, 81% female, were recruited. MRI was performed of the dominant knee. Cartilage volume was measured using validated methods. Total body BMD and content was measured using DXA. Results. Total body BMC and BMD was significantly associated with medial cartilage volume in both sexes. However, the associations were stronger in men for BMC (B= 0.52; 95% CI 0.21, 0.83; P for difference = 0.001) and BMD (B= 2242; 95% CI 443, 4041; P for difference = 0.05). Similar results were obtained in the lateral tibial compartment. No significant association was obtained between total body BMD and BMC and patella cartilage volume in either men or women. Conclusions. In this relatively healthy population, we found a positive relationship between total body BMD and BMC and tibial cartilage volume in the medial and lateral compartments. These relationships were stronger in men than women. Thus, the results of this study may provide some insight into the sex differences in knee cartilage volume, which may in turn facilitate our understanding of the pathogenesis of OA.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Sex differences, Bone mineral density, Cartilage volume
Research Division:	Medical and Health Sciences
Research Group:	Clinical Sciences
Research Field:	Rheumatology and Arthritis
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions)
Objective Field:	Skeletal System and Disorders (incl. Arthritis)
Author:	Jones, G (Professor Graeme Jones)
ID Code:	66015
Year Published:	2011
Web of Science® Times Cited:	7
Deposited By:	Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Deposited On:	2010-12-15
Last Modified:	2011-11-03
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