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Updated: May 18, 2026

Longitudinal Evaluation of Mouse Hind Limb Bone Loss After Spinal Cord Injury using Novel, in vivo, Methodology
Published on: December 7, 2011
Spinal cord injury-induced osteoporosis: pathogenesis and emerging therapies
Ricardo A Battaglino1, Antonio A Lazzari, Eric Garshick
1The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. rbattaglino@forsyth.org
Abstract:
Spinal cord injury causes rapid, severe osteoporosis with increased fracture risk. Mechanical unloading after paralysis results in increased osteocyte expression of sclerostin, suppressed bone formation, and indirect stimulation of bone resorption. At this time, there are no clinical guidelines to prevent bone loss after SCI, and fractures are common. More research is required to define the pathophysiology and epidemiology of SCI-induced osteoporosis. This review summarizes emerging therapeutics including anti-sclerostin antibodies, mechanical loading of the lower extremity with electrical stimulation, and mechanical stimulation via vibration therapy.
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