Dimorphism in axial and appendicular dimensions, cortical and trabecular microstructure and matrix mineral density in Chinese and Caucasian women

Appendicular fractures are less common in Chinese than Caucasian women. Bone mineral density (BMD) is lower, not higher than in Caucasians because Chinese have smaller appendicular dimensions than Caucasians. However, smaller bones may offset the liability to fracture by being assembled with a more robust microstructure. We hypothesized that Chinese assemble an appendicular skeleton with a thicker, less porous and more mineralized cortex that is...