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Left-handedness as a risk factor for fractures
Crystal M Luetters1, Jennifer L Kelsey, Theresa H M Keegan
1Division of Geriatrics, UCLA School of Medicine, 10945 Le Conte Avenue, Suite 2339, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. cluetters@mednet.ucla.edu
Summary
Left-handedness and ambidexterity are linked to higher fracture risks, particularly for the proximal humerus and forearm. The study suggests handedness influences bone health, but the underlying causes remain unclear.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Epidemiology
- Human Biology
Background:
- Previous research suggests a link between left-handedness and increased fracture risk.
- Understanding handedness's influence on skeletal health is crucial for injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between handedness and the risk of specific fracture types.
- To compare fracture risks across different handedness categories: left-handed, right-handed, ambidextrous, and forced right-handedness.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 2,841 fracture cases and 2,192 controls.
- Handedness assessed via questionnaire, categorizing participants into left-handed, right-handed, ambidextrous, or forced right-handed groups.
- Analysis of fracture risks at proximal humerus, distal forearm, pelvis, foot, and tibia/fibula.
Main Results:
- Left-handedness showed a significant association with increased proximal humerus fractures (OR=2.00).
- Ambidextrous individuals exhibited elevated risks for distal forearm (OR=2.99), foot (OR=2.59), and tibia/fibula shaft (OR=3.91) fractures.
- No increased fracture risk was observed in individuals forced to switch to right-handedness.
Conclusions:
- Handedness appears to be a factor influencing fracture risk.
- The specific mechanisms underlying the increased fracture risk in non-right-handed individuals require further investigation.