Adaptation of skeletal structure to mechanical loading
15.1 Introduction and background The mineralized bones of the skeleton are critical to load bearing and locomotion of vertebrates. The structure of the tissue within the bones is well suited…
ENDOCRINOLOGY
Imminent fracture risk and disability post fracture
28.1 Introduction The clinical significance of osteoporosis is in its outcome of fracture. Fracture is not a benign condition, particularly in the aging population where it occurs most frequently, and…
Race, ethnicity, and osteoporosis
19.1 Introduction In this chapter, we first address some of the problems inherent in using a racial classification system for describing human variation. We then describe variations in bone and…
Reproductive and hormonal factors and the risk for osteoporosis
23.1 Introduction Risk of osteoporosis and fracture in older women is, in large part, related to the woman’s bone mineral density (BMD) ; however, the predisposition to osteoporosis and fracture…
Falls as risk factors for fracture
26.1 Introduction Falls are one of the most common health concerns facing older adults today. About one-third of community-dwelling persons over the age of 65 years and nearly one-half of…
Impact of physical characteristics and lifestyle factors on bone density and fractures
27.1 Physical characteristics 27.1.1 Gender For most types of osteoporosis-related fractures, women are at greater risk than men . In a worldwide study of fractures in 2000, there were 9.0…
Biomechanics of hip and vertebral fractures
16.1 Introduction Age-related fractures represent an immense and increasing public health issue. In the United States in 2005, there were an estimated 2 million age-related fractures, with associated medical expenditures…
Geographic variability in the incidence of hip and vertebral fractures
20.1 Introduction Osteoporosis, a disease of old age, is documented to date back to the Bronze age . The demographic explosion, increased life expectancy, global urbanization, and the obesity epidemic…
Epidemiologic methods in studies of osteoporosis
17.1 Introduction This chapter was developed to assist readers with critical evaluation of published research studies, choice of study design in addressing a research question, and understanding of basic epidemiologic…
The mechanical behavior of bone
13.1 Introduction Bone is the primary load-bearing component of the musculoskeletal system, protecting vital organs and providing a framework for locomotion. Its resilient and durable nature is due to its…
