Matched‐cohort study of body composition, physical function, and quality of life in men with idiopathic vertebral fracture

Abstract

Objective. To determine the effect of 6 years of routine management on body composition, physical functioning, and quality of life, and their interrelationships, in men with idiopathic vertebral fracture. Methods. Twenty men with idiopathic vertebral fracture (patients: mean ؎ SD age 58 ؎ 6 years) were age and height matched to 28 healthy controls with no known disease. The primary outcome was skeletal muscle mass (appendicular lean mass by dual x-ray absorptiometry) assessed at 2 visits (0 and 6 years). Physical functioning and quality of life domains were assessed by the Senior Fitness Test and Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire at visit 2 only. Data were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance, independent t-tests, and correlation. Results. At visit 1, appendicular lean mass was 9% lower in patients than controls. Although patients better maintained appendicular lean mass between visits (interaction P ‫؍‬ 0.016), at visit 2 appendicular lean mass remained 5% lower in patients than controls. Furthermore, patients' appendicular lean mass change was correlated with femoral neck bone density change (r ‫؍‬ 0.507, P ‫؍‬ 0.023). Physical function tests were 13-27% lower in patients compared with controls (P ‫؍‬ 0.056 to 0.003), as were SF-36 quality of life physical domains (13-26% lower; P ‫؍‬ 0.028 to <0.001). Conclusion. Despite an association between changes in muscle mass and bone density, routine management of men with idiopathic vertebral fracture does not address muscle loss. Combined with the observation of reduced physical functioning and quality of life, this study identifies novel targets for intervention in men with idiopathic vertebral fracture.

Health-related quality of life in women referred for bone density assessment: relationships with bone mineral density, fracture and co-morbidity

“…For example, it has been shown that levels of physical activity [35,36], grip strength [31] and sarcopenia [37] have been associated with HRQoL scores in postmenopausal women. Additionally, physical function domain scores on the SF36 have been associated with objectively measured physical function in men [38] and can be used as a valid measure of disability [39]. Alternatively, it could be the variability in patient expectations of life that contribute towards the differences in PCS and MCS scores over and above other factors entered into the models [40].…”

What factors are predictors of emotional health in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears?

“…This effect has been demonstrated in joint replacement and spine disease as well as in a number of upper extremity disease states. 1,2,4,9,11,12,[18][19][20][21][22]25,29,30 In some cases, behavioral health interventions are even being offered in conjunction with treatment of the orthopedic condition or as a precondition for surgical treatment. 2,7 In the shoulder, numerous studies have documented the profound impact of biopsychosocial stressors, coping mechanisms, and pain catastrophizing on perception of shoulder pain and disability.…”

High risk of fall, poor physical function, and low grip strength in men with fracture—the STRAMBO study

“…Patients with vertebral fracture were reported to have lower muscle mass in some, not all studies . Vertebral fractures were associated with low muscle strength in both sexes and lower functional reach of arms in women, not men . In women, they were associated with abnormal electromyographic activity of trunk and paraspinal muscles .…”

“…In 147 patients with vertebral fracture, greater fracture severity was associated with greater disability and pain . Physical capacity was poorer in men with vertebral fracture vs. age‐matched controls . However, these analyses were poorly controlled for potential confounders.…”