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Risk factors for ankle fracture
1Bone Metabolism Group, University of Sheffield, Northern General Hospital, UK.
Summary
Ankle fractures in postmenopausal women are not typical osteoporotic fractures. This study found no significant differences in osteoporosis prevalence but noted lower bone density in the ankle fracture group.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Ankle fractures are common in postmenopausal women but may not be typical osteoporotic fractures.
- Understanding the risk factors and bone health in these women is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of osteopenia and vertebral fractures in women with ankle fractures.
- To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), anthropometry, lifestyle, and reproductive factors.
Main Methods:
- 103 women (50-80 years) with ankle fractures were compared to 375 women from a population-based cohort.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) measured by DXA at lumbar spine and femur.
- Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and thoracolumbar spine radiographs were also assessed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in osteoporosis prevalence at lumbar spine, femoral neck, or Ward's triangle.
- Ankle fracture cohort had lower trochanteric region BMD.
- Age- and weight-adjusted Z-scores of femoral neck BMD were lower in the ankle fracture group.
Conclusions:
- Ankle fractures in postmenopausal women may indicate underlying bone density issues, particularly at the femoral neck.
- DXA and QUS showed no significant differences in diagnostic accuracy for osteoporosis detection.
- Prevalence of vertebral fractures did not differ significantly between groups.