Which statement best describes the response of cortical bone to therapies?

• A. Cortical bone responds quickly
• B. Cortical bone has a moderate response
• C. Cortical bone has a very slow response
• D. Cortical bone does not respond to therapies

Answer: (C)

Cortical bone indeed exhibits a very slow response to therapies. This characteristic can be attributed to the dense and compact nature of cortical bone, which makes it less metabolically active compared to trabecular bone. Therapies aimed at improving bone density or quality, such as pharmacological interventions for osteoporosis or other treatments, typically facilitate changes in the more metabolically active trabecular bone faster than in the cortical bone.

The remodeling process in cortical bone occurs over a longer period, as it involves resorption and formation cycles that take several months to years. Therefore, when assessing the efficacy of therapies aimed at increasing bone density or strength, changes in cortical bone may not be immediately observed, which reflects its slow response to treatment. This understanding is crucial for evaluating treatment outcomes and setting realistic expectations regarding the timeline for changes in bone density as a response to therapeutic interventions.