Evaluation of the amount of crystallinity of bone mineral in the course of the aging process in man.

The analysis of per cent osteoid tissue, ash content and crystallinity of bone mineral of 67 patients 20--90 years of age, who died suddenly because of various reasons, was performed. Electron spin resonance spectrometry was used for measuring crystallinity. One-way analysis of variation of the results grouped according to sex and age showed no significant differences what concerns the ash content and crystallinity. Percentage of osteoid tissue was higher in the older groups of patients. No differences were found between males and females in the corresponding age groups. The possible mechanism responsible for the slightly higher crystallinity of bone mineral observed in the oldest group is discussed.