Association of bone mineral density and muscle mass with fracture risk assessed by FRAX for postmenopausal women in Inner Mongolia

Purpose/Aims

The purpose of the study is to identify the relationship between the risk of osteoporotic fracture in postmenopausal women with reduced bone mineral density and appendicular lean mass.

Rationale/Background

We hypothesized that limb muscle mass could be used as an independent risk predictor for FRAX. In the present study, we explored the correlation between BMD, limb muscle mass and FRAX in postmenopausal women in Inner Mongolia, adjusting for potential confounders.

Brief Description of the Undertaking/Best

Practice Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1032 postmenopausal women who were treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University. The whole body, spine, and hip bone mineral density and body composition were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and the fracture risk assessment was calculated using WHO FRAX risk assessment for the risk of major fractures and hip fracture.

Outcomes achieved/documented

Results There were 1032 women with a mean age of 64 years (range, 40 to 90 years). Mean values of lumbar spine BMD, femoral neck BMD, total hip BMD, and ALM were found to be 0.78±0.16g/cm2, 0.64±0.14g/cm2, 0.76±0.15g/cm2, and 15.9±2.4 kg, respectively. The fracture risk calculated in 10 years by using the FRAX for hip fracture and the major fracture was 4.2%(2.8,6.9) and 1%(0.3,2.4), respectively. The appendicular lean mass index showed a significantly higher association with major fracture and hip fracture risk.

Conclusions Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the appendicular lean mass index correlates with an increased risk of a major fracture or hip fracture.