Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Prevalence of fractures among Thais with thalassaemia syndromes
W Sutipornpalangkul1, Y Janechetsadatham, N Siritanaratkul
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Phrannok Road, Bangkonoi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand. tewsv@mahidol.ac.th
Introduction:
The association of fractures with thalassaemia syndromes is well established. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for fracture in Thai people with thalassaemia syndromes.
Methods:
A retrospective study and a patient interview were conducted in 201 Thai thalassaemia patients who attended the Division of Haematology, Department of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Thailand. The patient interview questionnaire included sections on demographics, medical, orthopaedic and surgical history, usage of tobacco and alcohol, as well as questions that pertained to fracture. The risk factors for fracture were determined by odds ratio.
Results:
The prevalence of fracture in Thai people with thalassaemia syndromes was 35.3 percent. Fracture occurred more often in beta thalassaemia patients (44.1 percent) than in alpha thalassaemia patients (16.9 percent). Upper extremity was the most common site of fracture, while falls and motor vehicle accidents were the most common causes of fracture, and cast/splint was the most common choice of treatment. 28 percent of the patients sustained multiple fractures. Among alpha thalassaemia patients, adults sustained fractures more frequently than children and adolescents. In contrast, beta thalassaemia children had a greater rate of fracture than the adults and adolescents. The risk factors for fracture in thalassaemia patients included male gender, beta thalassaemia, splenectomy, transfusion and a low body mass index.
Conclusion:
A high prevalence of fracture is observed among Thais with thalassaemia. The aetiology was found to be multifactorial.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:29Bone 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...
01:24Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
01:02What is the Skeletal System?
01:24Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.