Quantitative ultrasound to predict fracture in older people

Quantitative ultrasound has been shown to predict risk of fracture in various populations. However, this ability may be modified by the presence of previous fracture in very frail older people. The authors of a recent study [1] assessed bone strength by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and clinical risk factors at baseline for 1 982 institutionalised older people. Fractures were ascertained for 2 years from baseline and validated by X-ray reports.

Read the rest of this entry »

Calcifications in the abdominal aorta predict fractures in men: MINOS Study

Cardiovascular disease and osteoporotic fractures are two major public health problems. Cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis coexist in women: progression of aortic calcifications has been associated with faster bone loss. Low BMD has been shown to predict cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality, whereas the association between the extension of aortic calcifications and hip fracture risk is controversial. In contrast to these findings in women, few studies concern the relationship between osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease in men.
Read the rest of this entry »