Publication Date
12-2009
Type of Culminating Activity
Thesis
Degree Title
Master of Arts in Anthropology
Department
Anthropology
Major Advisor
Margaret Streeter, Ph.D.
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated lifestyle choices such as poor diet, insufficient exercise and substance abuse can negatively affect bone health. The purpose of this research is to determine if the tissue pathology associated with long term methamphetamine use is a localized response to poor dental hygiene or an indication of a more systemic response that is discernable in the bone microstructure. A comparison of the rib cortical bone microstructure between males that were known to be methamphetamine abusers (N=18) and individuals who did not abuse the drug was undertaken (N=19). Histomorphometric variables calculated in this analysis included mean osteon size, osteon population density (OPD) and cortical area measurement. OPD was found to vary significantly between study and control populations. This study demonstrates that methamphetamine abuse is associated with changes in OPD.
Recommended Citation
Karinen, Robert Chancey, "Histomorphometry of the Human Rib Cortex in Methamphetamine Users" (2009). Boise State University Theses and Dissertations. 77.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/td/77