Assessment of Osteoporotic Fracture Risk in Patients above 50 Years Using Quantitative Ultrasonography and Fracture...

Area of Science:

• Bone health research
• Geriatric medicine
• Public health

Background:

• Osteoporosis is a growing concern, particularly in aging populations.
• Understanding its prevalence and risk factors is crucial for effective intervention.
• South India presents a unique demographic for studying bone health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in South India.
• To analyze the association of osteoporosis with age, sex, BMI, and BMD.
• To assess the risk of major osteoporotic fractures (MOF) and hip fractures.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 453 adults over 50 in South India.
• Bone mineral density (BMD) assessed via ultrasound bone densitometry.
• Body mass index (BMI) and fracture risk assessment (FRAX) scores calculated.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of osteoporosis was 9.9%, with osteopenia in 68%.
• Females (73%) had higher osteoporosis rates than males (27%).
• Lower BMD correlated with increased MOF risk, especially in older women.

Conclusions:

• Osteoporosis and osteopenia are prevalent in this South Indian cohort.
• Age and sex are significant factors in osteoporosis prevalence and fracture risk.
• Targeted interventions are needed to mitigate fracture risk and improve bone health.