Low bone mass--assessing absolute fracture risk and the need to treat younger postmenopausal women
1New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA. stephen.honig@nyumc.org
Abstract:
The need to initiate treatment for a postmenopausal woman with a low bone mass should be based on that individual's fracture risk over a fnite period of time. Fracture assessment tools, such as the recently introduced FRAX(TM) model, allows the clinician to estimate an individual's absolute fracture risk over the next decade of their life. Such estimates are particularly useful for younger postmenopausal females with bone density values in the osteopenic range. Fracture risk increases with age and is inversely related to bone mineral density values. A history of previous fracture after the age of 45 and within 10 years of assessment increases subsequent fracture risk.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:40Bone Remodeling
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...