Childhood fracture history tied to low BMD, osteoporosis later.(Gynecology)

NASHVILLE, TENN. -- A history of fracture in childhood and adolescence may be a marker for osteoporosis later in life, suggest study findings presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Girls with fractures have lower gains in bone mineral density (BMD) and lower bone mineral mass at pubertal maturity, especially at sites containing predominantly trabecular bone, said Dr. Serge L. Ferrari, professor of medicine at the Service of Bone Diseases at the Geneva University Hospital.

The researchers followed 125 girls from prepuberty to pubertal maturity, assessing BMD using dual x-ray absorptiometry at both fractured and nonfractured sites including the ultradistal radius, proximal radius, femur trochanter, lumbar spine, femur neck, and femur diaphysis. Questionnaires were used to assess calcium intake, and both children and parents were interviewed to monitor for any accidents, falls, or fractures.

During an average of 8.5 years follow-up, 59 fractures occurred in 42 girls, 48% of the fractures involved the forearm and/or the wrist.

Before puberty and at the age of peak height velocity, BMD values at the proximal radius tended to be lower in girls with fractures. At pubertal maturity, BMD in girls with fractures was significantly lower at the ultradistal radius, femur trochanter, and lumbar spine. BMD at the femur neck and femur diaphysis were not significantly different between the two groups at pubertal maturity.

Girls with fractures also had significantly less BMD gain throughout puberty ...