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Bone mass and beyond: risk factors for fractures
P D Ross1, J W Davis, R D Wasnich
1Hawaii Osteoporosis Center, Honolulu 96814.
Calcified Tissue International
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Bone mass is linked to fracture risk, but other factors like previous fractures also predict future breaks. Early intervention is key before bone strength declines.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Prospective studies confirm a strong association between bone mass and fracture risk.
- Overlapping bone mass distributions in fracture and non-fracture cases suggest other contributing factors.
- Prevalent fractures independently predict future fracture risk, beyond bone mass.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms linking prevalent fractures to etiologic risk factors.
- To explore fracture risk factors beyond bone mass and prevalent fractures.
- To emphasize the importance of early treatment for bone health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of prospective studies on bone mass and fracture risk.
- Analysis of the predictive value of prevalent fractures.
- Consideration of potential fracture risk factors.
Main Results:
- Bone mass is a significant predictor of fracture risk.
- Prevalent fractures are independent predictors of future fractures.
- Other unmeasured risk factors likely contribute to fracture risk.
Conclusions:
- Prevalent fractures may indicate underlying etiologic risk factors independent of bone mass.
- Identifying additional fracture risk factors is crucial.
- Early therapeutic interventions are most effective before significant bone impairment and fractures occur.
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