Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Association Between Femoral Neck Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporotic Fracture Counts in U.S. Adults: A NHANES
Introduction:
Bone mineral density (BMD) is a key determinant of osteoporotic fracture risk; however, the association between femoral neck BMD and fracture burden across different sex and age groups remains incompletely characterized.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using NHANES data from 2005-2010, 2013-2014, and 2017-March 2020. Participants aged ≥50 with femur neck BMD and fracture history were included. Survey-weighted negative binomial regression models and restricted cubic spline analyses were applied to evaluate the association between femoral neck BMD and osteoporotic fracture counts, with stratified analyses by sex and age.
Results:
In fully adjusted models, higher femoral neck BMD was associated with lower hip and total osteoporotic fracture counts. Restricted cubic spline analyses demonstrated a nonlinear inverse association between femoral neck BMD and predicted fracture counts. Sex- and age-stratified analyses revealed substantial heterogeneity in these associations, with a stronger inverse relationship observed among older adults, with more consistent inverse patterns among females and age-dependent associations among males.
Discussion:
Femoral neck BMD is inversely associated with osteoporotic fracture burden in U.S. adults aged ≥50 years, with marked variation by sex and age. These findings highlight the importance of considering demographic heterogeneity when assessing fracture risk using BMD measurements.
Related Concept Videos
Bone 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...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Essential 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...
Bone Remodeling
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
