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Osteoporosis with pathologic hip fractures in major depression
W B Van Vort1, M Rubenstein, R P Rose
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine.
Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Elderly females with major depression experienced osteoporotic hip fractures. Depression
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Osteoporosis is linked to genetics, aging, nutrition, inactivity, substance abuse, and anorexia nervosa.
- Pathologic hip fractures are a significant morbidity in the elderly population.
Observation:
- Three cases of elderly females with major depression presented with pathologic osteoporotic hip fractures.
- These fractures occurred despite the absence of typical osteoporosis risk factors in some cases.
Findings:
- Major depression may be an underrecognized risk factor for osteoporosis and subsequent fractures in elderly women.
- Biological effects of depression and immobility during hospitalization may contribute to bone loss and fracture risk.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider screening for depression in elderly patients with osteoporosis or fractures.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking depression and osteoporosis.
- Integrating mental health care may be crucial for managing osteoporosis in older adults.