What percentage of bone turnover occurs in a normal healthy individual?

In a normal healthy individual, bone turnover refers to the continuous process of bone resorption and formation that occurs throughout life. This physiological process is essential for maintaining bone health and reducing the risk of fractures or other bone-related disorders.

The correct percentage of bone turnover in a healthy adult is approximately 1% per year. This rate indicates that each year, about 1% of the total bone mass is remodeled through a carefully regulated process involving osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) and osteoblasts (cells that build new bone). This balance ensures that bones remain strong and can adapt to mechanical stresses and metabolic needs.

Lower turnover rates can be associated with conditions such as osteoporosis, where bone resorption exceeds formation, while higher turnover rates can occur in conditions like Paget's disease. Understanding the typical rate of bone turnover is crucial for assessing bone health and the impacts of various treatments or diseases on skeletal integrity.