Substantial height loss ‘doubles hip fracture risk’ in men
Losing height in old age is an independent risk factor for fracture, suggesting the need for repeated measurements in clinical practice, researchers say
Men who lose 3cm or more in height when they age are particularly vulnerable to hip fracture, a US study shows.
The researchers say height-loss measurements could provide a simple, inexpensive way for doctors to assess fracture risk in older men and should be included in fracture-risk assessment tools.
They drew on data from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) prospective cohort study of nearly 6000 US men who were older than 65, had no hip replacements and were able to walk independently at baseline.
Analysis to determine rates of hip and other fractures was based on 3491 of these men, whose height was measured both at baseline and at seven-year follow-up. Outcomes were assessed for up to another 10 years.
