Accuracy of Fracture Risk Assessment Models Enhanced by Inclusion of Falls History

A new study that shows how the inclusion of falls history, in addition to clinical risk factors (CRFs) and bone mineral density (BMD) values, would greatly improve the accuracy of fracture prediction models has been presented by researchers from the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit in Southampton, UK.

The research findings were presented today at the European Congress on Osteoporosis & Osteoarthritis in Valencia, Spain.

Using results from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, the investigators examined the relative contributions of CRFs, BMD and falls history to fracture prediction. They concluded that fall history is an independent risk factor for fracture. Its inclusion in a fracture prediction model in men (in addition to CRFs and BMD) improved accuracy by 6%. The authors show that such models would have positive predictive values of 21.5% and 29.8% in men and women, respectively.

"These findings are also directly applicable to clinical practice," commented Prof Cyrus Cooper, Professor of Rheumatology and Director of the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit at the Universities of Southampton and Oxford. "Physicians should ask their patients, and particularly male patients, about their history of falls after the age of 45. This will not only be valuable information in making an assessment of whether to treat an individual for osteoporosis, but would also give the physician the opportunity to discuss falls prevention strategies."

"Osteoporotic fractures can have debilitating effects on individuals and targeting preventative treatments to those at the highest risk is of great importance." Said Dr Mark Edwards, Academic Clinical Fellow at the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton.

Source: Eurekalert

Fracture

A fracture is a condition where the continuity of the bone is lost. Majority of bone fractures occur because of high force impact or stress on a bone.

Colle’s Fracture

Colles fracture or broken wrist is a wrist fracture, which occurs within an inch of the wrist joint. Colles fracture involves the forearm bone's distal end of the radius.

Lifestyle And Osteoporosis

Encyclopedia section of medindia briefly explains about Lifestyle and Osteoporosis

Broken Nose (Nasal Fracture)

Nasal fracture is a break in the bones and/or the cartilages of the nose. They may be accompanied by displacement of the broken part.

Clavicle Fracture

A clavicle fracture is a fracture of the collarbone that commonly occurs due to accidents or falls.

Injuries Related to Sports

Injuries are common in the sporting world. They can be minor like bruises and cuts, serious like fractures and sometimes fatal like head injuries.

Scaphoid Fracture of The Wrist

The scaphoid is a small wrist bone. Scaphoid bone fractures usually occur when a person falls heavily on the palm of an outstretched hand.

Screening for Osteoporosis

The risk of suffering from osteoporotic fractures is 30-50% in women and 15 to 30% in men. Osteoporosis screening is currently recommended for women only.

Tibia (Shinbone) Shaft Fractures

A tibial shaft fracture is an injury that occurs to the tibia, which is one of the long bones of the leg. Causes, symptoms, diagnosis of shinbone are discussed.