The relationship between height change and bone mineral density
1School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. annhunt@pharmacy.purdue.edu
Abstract:
This pilot study was designed to determine if height loss would serve as an effective screening tool for osteoporosis. Height loss, bone density data, and fracture history were obtained from a patient population in a bone health clinic. The 76 subjects ranged from 25 to 88 years of age with mean age 60.4 years. Maximum height was established by the subject's recall and the height recorded on their driver's license. Current height was also assessed. Results indicate that excessive height loss does reflect low bone mass and may predict osteoporosis-related fractures.
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