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[Effects of bariatric surgery on bone]
1Service des maladies osseuses, Departement des spécialités de médecine HUG et Faculte de médecine, Genève. brigitte.uebelhart@hcuge.ch
Revue Medicale Suisse
|July 5, 2013
Summary
Bariatric surgery can lower bone density measurements, but fracture risk remains unchanged. Marked weight loss may affect bone density test accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Bone Metabolism and Endocrinology
Context:
- Bariatric surgery, combining restrictive and malabsorptive techniques, is increasingly common.
- Post-surgical changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and resorption markers require careful evaluation.
Purpose:
- To assess the impact of bariatric surgery on bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture incidence.
- To investigate changes in biochemical markers of bone turnover and parathormone levels post-surgery.
Summary:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) decreases post-bariatric surgery, particularly at the hip.
- Elevated biochemical markers of bone resorption and parathormone are observed in blood.
- Despite BMD changes, fracture incidence is not significantly altered compared to control groups.
Impact:
- Findings suggest that while bariatric surgery affects BMD measurements, it may not increase long-term fracture risk.
- Highlights the need to consider weight loss effects on DXA accuracy.
- Informs clinical management and monitoring of bone health in bariatric patients.
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