Are there associations between bone turnover and hip geometry in the general population?

While impaired bone remodeling contributes to osteoporosis and probably to osteoarthritis, the relations between bone turnover and key hip geometry measures such as center-edge angle (CE), neck-shaft angle (NSA) or alpha angle remain unknown. We here examined the presence of associations between two bone turnover markers with hip geometric measures in adults from the general population.

Data from 2037 participants (50% women) in the Study of Health in Pomerania-TREND were examined. Hip geometric parameters were obtained using magnetic resonance imaging. Serum concentrations of carboxy-terminal telopeptide of Type I collagen (CTX, bone resorption) and intact amino-terminal propeptide of Type I procollagen (P1NP, bone formation) were measured to assess bone turnover.

In sex-specific linear regression models adjusted for age, body mass index and physical inactivity, positive associations between CTX or P1NP and CE and inverse associations with NSA were detected. The latter were restricted to men. Thus, an increase in bone formation or resorption is related to less dysplastic (both sexes). Additionally, men with more valgus hips have lower bone turnover markers. For the alpha angle, no significant association was present.

The observed associations between bone turnover markers and hip geometry confirm the presence of relevant relations between bone properties and hip geometry. This knowledge may aid in detection of vulnerable groups with respect to osteoarthritis and fracture risk.