Aims. The development of lumbar lordosis has been traditionally examined using angular measurements of the spine to reflect its shape. While studies agree regarding the increase in the angles during growth, the growth rate is understudied, and sexual dimorphism is debated. In this study, we used a novel method to estimate the shape of the lumbar curve (LC) using the landmark-based geometric morphometric method to explore changes in LC during growth, examine the effect of size and sex on LC shape, and examine the associations between angular measurements and shape. Methods. The study population included 258 children aged between 0 and 20 years (divided into five age groups) who underwent a CT scan between the years 2009 and 2019. The landmark-based geometric morphometric method was used to capture the LC shape in a sagittal view. Additionally, the lordosis was measured via Cobb and sacral slope angles. Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses were carried out to examine differences in shape between males and females and between the age groups. Results. The overall shape of the LC overlapped between males and females in most age groups, except for the nine- to 12-year age group. However, size did not affect LC shape. LC shape changed significantly during growth from straight to curved, reaching its mature shape earlier in females. This corresponded with the results obtained by the lordosis and sacral slope angles. A significant positive correlation was found between the LC shape and angles, although the angles demonstrated poor distinction between age groups, as opposed to the LC shape. Conclusion. New insights into LC shape development were achieved using the geometric morphometric method. The LC shape was sex-independent in most age groups. However, the LC reached its mature shape earlier in females than males. The method and data of this study are beneficial for future studies examining aetiological factors for spinal pathologies and maldevelopment. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2025;14(1):58–68

Aims

Transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases in all organ systems. Despite its importance, NF-κB targeted drug therapy to mitigate chronic inflammation has had limited success in preclinical studies. We hypothesized that sex differences affect the response to NF-κB treatment during chronic inflammation in bone. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of NF-κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) during chronic inflammation in male and female mice.

Aims

Currently, the effect of drug treatment for osteoporosis is relatively poor, and the side effects are numerous and serious. Melatonin is a potential drug to improve bone mass in postmenopausal women. Unfortunately, the mechanism by which melatonin improves bone metabolism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to further investigate the potential mechanism of melatonin in the treatment of osteoporosis.