Biochemical markers for bone metabolism in severe osteoporosis

Abstract

Degrees of changes in biochemical bone markers following osteoporosis-related fractures depend on types and severity of fractures and markers selected. Although immobilization is known to raise values of bone resorption markers, it is likely that incomplete immobilization commonly induced by fracture has little impact on systemic bone metabolism. Since marked increase in bone markers in patients with osteoporosis implies presence of underlying diseases and/or "occult" fracture other than "high turnover" osteoporosis, clinician should make efforts to explore secondary cause of increased systemic bone metabolism and fractures occurred locally.