TB of the bones=FS/AA height difference?

[Denise]

Well, I was also wondering if AA's TB of the bones could account for the Height difference and/or shoe size difference due to bone density loss.  

Inquiring mind posted:

From the web....

TB of the bones happens in a small number of cases. If left untreated permanent deformity and crippling can occur. Bone density is lost but after treatment returns with slow filling in of new bone.

Height loss seems to be attributed to compression fractures of the spine caused by osteoporosis and generally affects older adults both women and men.

TB of the bone can cause fractures but it has more to do with the infection and less to do with the loss of bone density.

It is said to be intensely painful.

To which I responded

Thanks, Inquiring Mind!!  

Well, we know AA is said to be about 4 inches shorter than FS.  AA was admitted to Dalldorf at 5'2", and I have seen reports that FS was 5'6."

Any idea from those with bigger libraries than I have WHEN AA was first diagnosed with the TB?  I have PK's book, and it says that in Oct 1922 doctors discovered TB of the breastbone.  But was this the first outbreak?  

Denise

[Inquiring_Mind]

Denise,

I am not an MD so I can speak only from personal experience.

My mother, sister and neighbor all have osteoporosis.

My mom was diagnosed 20 yrs ago when there was very little that could be done for her.She was 5'3" then and now she is just barely 5'. This was caused by  repeated compression fractures of the spine. She has a "Dowager's Hump". My neighbor is about the same.

My sister lost one half inch the year she was diagnosed from such a fracture.

Did AA have TB in her spine? I believe it was first in her breastbone and then in an arm.

Four inches of lost height from TB I believe would have had to come from the crippling effect I mentioned.

[Michelle]

IM---so what you're saying is that AA's height loss could not have come from her particular bout of TB that she experienced?  Does this mean that the TB possiblility is out? :-/

[Inquiring_Mind]

IM---so what you're saying is that AA's height loss could not have come from her particular bout of TB that she experienced?  Does this mean that the TB possiblility is out? :-/

I don't know for sure. But if someone lost 4 inches because of a serious disease in a relatively short period of time, I believe it would have had to affect the spine or maybe the legs. There would have to be evidence that anyone could see with the naked eye. As an example, my mom and neighbor being stooped with an obvious spinal malformation needing a cane to walk.

I would have to see evidence of medical records with FS's height  before I could say she was one height or another.

[Denise]

I am pretty sure from what I know of osteoporosis that the height difference wouldn't have been caused by the TB.  AA was NOT a crippled hunchback when young.  In some pictures she stands quite elegantly and has no visible back problems.  

But, I may be wrong.  We need definite proof of FS height, as IM says.