Osteoporosis, 2024
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Artist statement:
I read that osteoporosis can start anywhere from age 35-50, so I chose to go with the low end of 35 for my starting stitches. I started with a single crochet stitch, the shortest one, as bones start out solid. After 15 stitches (the number of years between 35 and 50), I skipped a stitch. I reduced this number (so 14s skip, 13sc skip...). Once I reached 0, I increased stitch size (half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet) and decreased the starting stitch number (14, 13, 12...) while gradually increasing the number of chains and skipped stitches. About halfway down the project, I switched to treble crochet and increased chains. I eventually reached a point where I just made random chains and stitches of various sizes as well as just stringing yarn across.
I chose to add a border to make it easier to hang. I will be adding structural parts to keep it rectangular. I am currently in the process of blocking, meaning it is being stretched and held in that position for a period of time in order to make the yarn evenly and uniform.
Medical description:
Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease where the bone demineralizes at a faster rate than it can form creating an imbalance where bones become more fragile. Osteoblasts being the bone-forming component and osteoclast the bone-resorption component, these two factors contribute to bone remodeling which is continuous all throughout life. The remodeling process can be affected by lack of thyroid activity which affects estrogen, lack of vitamin D and increased age. The fragile bones that osteoporosis lead to are more prone to fractures due to the less dense and more porous bone material from the osteoclasts reabsorbing at a faster than the osteoblasts. Early stages may be asymptomatic. Individuals may experience fractures with minimal trauma, particularly in the spine, hips, and wrists. Height loss and stooped posture “dowager hump” can occur.Creator
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