Height loss in women caused by vertebral fractures and osteoporosis.

• Background: To investigate women, with height loss of more than three cm, without earlier diagnosed spinal fractures, for osteoporosis and vertebral fractures. Methods: Consecutively enrolment of women aged 50-85 years with a height loss of three cm or more. 80 women with a mean age of 70 years old (51-84) were recruited. Determination was made of bone mineral density (BMD) with DXA technique on hip, lumbar spine and whole body. Lateral spine radiographs were performed on thoracic and lumbar spine.Results: Mean height loss was 5.2 cm. Smaller vertebral fractures were diagnosed in 45% (n=36). All had osteopenia or osteoporosis on BMD measurements, and there were significant differences in T-score for hip and lumbar spine and in BMD, for the hip in subjects with and without vertebral compression. Conclusions:Women with height loss without knowledge of earlier spinal fractures could be suspected for osteoporosis and vertebral fractures.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Allmänmedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- General Practice (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)