Spinal cord injury-related bone impairment and fractures: an update on epidemiology and physiopathological mechanisms
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Longitudinal Evaluation of Mouse Hind Limb Bone Loss After Spinal Cord Injury using Novel, in vivo, Methodology
Published on: December 7, 2011
1Rehabilitation Department, Physical and Social Rehabilitation Center Amynteo, Florina, Greece. yannis_dionyssiotis@hotmail.com
Abstract:
A sudden loss of motor function in segments of the spinal cord results in immobilisation and is complicated by bone loss and fractures in areas below the level of injury. Despite the acceptance of osteoporosis and fractures as two major public health problems, in people with spinal cord injuries, the mechanisms are not adequately investigated. Multiple risk factors for bone loss and fractures are present in this disabled population. This review is an update on the epidemiology and physiopathological mechanisms in spinal cord injury-related bone impairment and fractures.
Related Concept Videos
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Fractures: 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...
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...
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Bone Remodeling and Repair
