Thigh Muscle Fatty Infiltration and Hip Fracture Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Thomas Lang, Jane A Cauley, Frances Tylavsky, Douglas Bauer, Steven Cummings, Tamara B Harris
Primary Institution: University of California, San Francisco
Hypothesis
Does increased fatty infiltration of muscle predispose to hip fracture?
Conclusion
Decreased thigh muscle HU, indicating greater fatty infiltration, is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture.
Supporting Evidence
- Lower thigh muscle HU values indicate greater fat infiltration.
- Decreased thigh muscle HU was significantly associated with increased hip fracture risk.
- Participants with hip fractures had lower muscle strength and physical performance scores.
Takeaway
As people age, fat can build up in their muscles, which may make them more likely to break their hips if they fall.
Methodology
The study measured thigh muscle HU, CSA, BMD, muscle strength, and physical function in participants aged 70-79 over 6.6 years.
Potential Biases
The majority of data came from white participants, which may limit generalizability.
Limitations
The study had a relatively small number of hip fractures and may not apply to younger or older individuals.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 2631 black and white men and women aged 70-79.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = .03
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.10–1.99
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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