Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Cortical Bone Assessment Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves: A Reproducibility Study in a Healthy Population
Published on: January 31, 2025
Osteoporosis and fragility fractures
Lídia Sànchez-Riera1, Nicholas Wilson, Narainraj Kamalaraj
1Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, (Universitat de Barcelona), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. 37416lsr@comb.cat
Osteoporosis prevalence is rising with aging populations. This review highlights global bone mineral density (BMD) differences and improvements in Asian and European regions, crucial for understanding fracture risk.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Osteoporosis prevalence is increasing globally due to population aging.
- Osteoporosis poses a significant health burden, primarily as a risk factor for fractures.
- Understanding bone mineral density (BMD) variations is critical for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, risk factors, and health burden of osteoporosis.
- To analyze global BMD data to identify geographical differences and trends.
- To assess osteoporosis as a risk factor for fractures using BMD measurements.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of population-based studies measuring BMD using dual-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
- Focused analysis on femoral neck BMD, standardized to Hologic(®) values for worldwide data inclusion.
- Utilized the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2005 framework, treating BMD as a continuous exposure variable.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated significant geographical variations in mean BMD values across different world regions.
- Presented provisional mean BMD and T-scores for males and females aged 50+ by region.
- Indicated a positive time trend of improving BMD values in Asian and European populations.
Conclusions:
- Geographical disparities in BMD highlight the need for region-specific osteoporosis management.
- Observed improvements in BMD in Asian and European populations may reflect lifestyle or healthcare changes.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the factors influencing BMD trends and osteoporosis risk globally.
Related Concept Videos
Bone 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...
Bone Remodeling
Essential 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...
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
What is the Skeletal System?
The Functions of the Skeletal System
