in normal osteoclasts. In addition, there was demonstrable
detachment of the cells from the bone surface (Fig. 4). In
some foci the osteoclasts showed severely dark and condensed
nuclei consistent with apoptotic nuclei (Fig. 5). Osteoblasts
were infrequently observed. The bone was well mineralized
showing no evidence of osteomalacia supporting the fact that
her low level of vitamin D represented insufficiency rather
than a demonstrable metabolic bone disease [2]; vitamin D
insufficiency is commonly observed in elderly patients
undergoing orthopedic surgery