Lean mass is a modifiable risk factor for vertebral fracture in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Vertebral fracture is the most common clinical manifestation of osteoporosis and is significantly associated with an increased risk of future fractures.1 Bone mineral density has traditionally been the best predictor of fragility fractures, however, lean mass may have a greater contribution to the risk of fracture than previously understood. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) allows for highly accurate measurements of bone mass as well as both fat and lean body mass. The primary objective of this study is to determine if there is an association between lean body mass and the incidence of vertebral fragility fractures in postmenopausal women.