Although an inverse relationship between osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) has been shown by some studies, other reports supported their coexistence. To clarify this relationship, we analyzed the interplay between clinical and histomorphometric features. Bone mineral density (BMD) and histomorphometric structure were assessed in 80 patients of four different age-matched groups undergoing hip arthroplasty for severe OA or OP-related femoral fracture. Harris Hip Score was also performed. Surgical double osteotomy of the femoral head was performed and microscopic bone slice samples analysis was performed by using a BioQuant Osteo software. Bone volume fraction (BV/TV) was lower (P < 0.01) in subjects with femoral neck fracture (20.77 ± 4.34%) than in subjects with nonosteopenic OA (36.49 ± 7.73%) or osteopenic OA (32.93 ± 6.83%), whereas no difference was detected between subjects with femoral neck fractures and those with combined OA and OP (20.71 ± 5.23%). Worse Harris Hip Score was found in those patients with the lowest BMD and BV/TV values. Our data support recent evidences indicating the possibility of impaired bone volume fraction in OA patients, with a high risk of developing OP, likely for their decreased mobility. Further studies are needed in order to investigate biomolecular pathway and/or growth factors involved in bone volume impairment in OA patients.

Wrist fracture is the most common fragility fracture in perimenopausal and young postmenopausal women in USA and Northern Europe. Recent studies based on high-resolution imaging have shown microarchitectural deterioration of trabecular bone even in premenopausal women presenting with a wrist fracture. These fractures increase the risk of subsequent fractures, especially in the first 7 years. So, wrist fracture female patients must be appropriately screened and treated for osteoporosis in order to preserve bone quality and prevent future, more severe, fractures.

SummaryIntroduction. Osteoporosis is a chronic condition leading to an increased risk of developing fractures, with high morbidity and mortality in aging population. Efficacy of anti-osteoporotic treatment is based on drug potency but also on compliance and persistence to treatment regimen, which is very low, as already described for other diseases. Teriparatide (TPTD) is the first anabolic agent developed for the treatment of osteoporosis.

The clinical management of fragility fracture is simple but complex at the same time. Patients are different from one another, and advancing age increases the prevalence of comorbidities and conditions that can impair bone quality and healing, while increasing the risk of falls and fractures. Keeping in mind some principles and key points can help identify patients at risk, thus following an ideal path for the identification, treatment and prevention of fragility fractures.