Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026
Author Spotlight: An Economic and Efficient Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Bone Microarchitecture in a Murine Osteoporosis Model
Published on: September 8, 2023
Determinants of mortality risk following osteoporotic fractures
Dana Bliuc1, Jacqueline R Center
1aOsteoporosis and Bone Biology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research bClinical School, St Vincent's Hospital cFaculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Purpose Of Review:
Increased mortality risk is accepted for hip and vertebral fracture. Recent data suggest that other fracture types have also been linked to excess mortality. This article reviews the existing evidence on the pattern and determinants of postfracture mortality.
Recent Findings:
The pattern of mortality over time following hip and vertebral fractures has recently been clarified. Nonhip nonvertebral fractures at major, and even minor sites in older individuals have also been associated with excess mortality. Studies have revealed the higher excess mortality in men and in younger age groups for all fracture types. Despite the increasing knowledge on the fracture-mortality association, little is known about its cause. The role of co-morbidities is inconsistent across studies. Recent findings suggest low bone mass, bone loss and muscle weakness are linked to both fracture and mortality risk, and thus may play a role in postfracture mortality.
Summary:
Nonhip nonvertebral fractures have recently been associated with mortality risk. Larger studies are needed to better understand which specific fractures and factors contribute to fracture-associated mortality risk. The role of bone loss in postfracture mortality needs to be validated in more studies, because of its potential reversibility with antifracture therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone 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...
01:40Bone Remodeling
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:27Fractures: 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...