Figure 3
The measurement results of costal cartilage. (A,B,C) The calcium concentration of costal cartilage in different groups. A gradual increase of calcium concentration was found before 50 years old groups in female patients and a slight decrease after 50 years old. (D,E,F) The CT values of costal cartilages in different age groups. The CT values of costal cartilages went through a gradual rising before 50 years old in female patients, which were in accordance with the tendency of calcium concentration. (G,H,I) The water concentration of costal cartilage in different groups. The water concentration both in female and male patients was almost the same in all age groups. *P < 0.05.
