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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
The association between multiple sclerosis and fracture risk
1Department of Orthopedics, CPLA No. 149 Hospital Lianyungang 222042, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract:
Sever studies were performed to assess the association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and fracture risk. However, the results were inconsistent and inconclusive. In the present study, the possible association was investigated by a meta-analysis. Eligible articles were identified for the period up to August 2014. Pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were appropriately derived from random-effects models. Nine studies with more than 9,000,000 subjects were eligible. We found that MS was significant associated with fracture risk in overall population (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.36-1.84, P < 0.01). In terms of subgroup analyses by fracture sites, the associations were significant in femur (RR = 4.57, 95% CI 3.01-6.69, P < 0.01), hip (RR = 3.01, 95% CI 2.72-3.41, P < 0.01), tibia (RR = 2.72, 95% CI 2.22-3.32, P < 0.01), humerus (RR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.12-2.40, P = 0.02), pelvis (RR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.12-1.67, P < 0.01), and vertebrae (RR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.13-1.69, P < 0.01). This meta-analysis suggested that MS may be associated with fracture development.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly increases fracture risk, particularly in the femur and hip. This meta-analysis confirms a strong association between MS and fracture development across multiple sites.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
Background:
- Prior studies on multiple sclerosis (MS) and fracture risk yielded inconsistent results.
- A definitive association between MS and increased fracture risk remained inconclusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between multiple sclerosis and fracture risk.
- To provide a comprehensive analysis by pooling data from multiple eligible studies.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was conducted, including studies published up to August 2014.
- Nine studies encompassing over 9,000,000 subjects were analyzed.
- Random-effects models were used to derive pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Main Results:
- Multiple sclerosis was significantly associated with an increased risk of fracture in the overall population (OR = 1.58).
- Subgroup analyses revealed significant associations for femur (RR = 4.57), hip (RR = 3.01), tibia (RR = 2.72), humerus (RR = 1.78), pelvis (RR = 1.34), and vertebrae (RR = 1.30).
Conclusions:
- This meta-analysis provides strong evidence suggesting that multiple sclerosis is associated with a higher risk of fracture development.
- The findings highlight specific fracture sites, such as the femur and hip, that are particularly vulnerable in individuals with MS.
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