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Primary generalized osteoarthritis and bone mass
L D Hordon1, S P Stewart, P R Troughton
1Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University of Leeds.
British Journal of Rheumatology
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is linked to higher bone density in post-menopausal women, particularly at the spine and forearm. This finding suggests bone mass may play a role in OA development.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The relationship between osteoarthritis (OA) and bone mass remains debated.
- Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding bone mineral density (BMD) in OA patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bone mineral density (BMD) and total body bone mineral (TBBM) in post-menopausal women with primary generalized OA.
- To compare bone mass measurements in OA patients with those of healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure BMD at the hip and spine, and TBBM.
- Single photon absorptiometry measured BMD at the distal forearm.
- Data from 20 post-menopausal women with OA were compared to 89 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Osteoarthritic women exhibited significantly higher spinal BMD (P < 0.001) and distal forearm BMD (P < 0.05).
- Total body bone mineral (TBBM) was also significantly increased in the OA group (P < 0.01).
- No significant difference in BMD was observed at the femoral neck between groups. Obesity did not explain these bone mass differences.
Conclusions:
- Post-menopausal women with generalized OA demonstrate increased bone mass at the spine and forearm.
- These findings contribute to the understanding of the complex interplay between bone density and osteoarthritis.
- Further research is warranted to explore the influence of mobility on these associations.