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Copenhagen OA study: Low BMD linked to reduced hip joint space width in women

Bone mineral density decreased in men and women after age 45 years, but was more significant in women.

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Women who have low bone mineral density may also be at risk for reduced hip joint space width, according to a study by researchers in Denmark.

Steffen Jacobsen, MD, of Copenhagen, and colleagues investigated the association between reduced minimum hip joint space width and reduced bone mineral density (BMD), which was used as a surrogate parameter of endogenous estrogen status and measured using digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR).

The researchers compared standardized hand X-rays for 3,913 adults who participated in the Copenhagen Osteoarthritis Study. This included 2,443 women and 1,470 men who had an average age of 60 years, ranging from 18 to 92 years.

Jacobsen presented the results of the study at the 8th European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Congress.

The researchers used the X-Posure digital software [Sectra-Pronosco] to make the comparisons and measure patients' BMD. They also used standardized pelvic radiographs to assess the minimum hip joint space width.

Investigators found that BMD decreased in both men and women after the age of 45 years, but the decrease was much more significant in women. "In fact, there seems to be a highly significant relationship between reduced BMD and reduced hip joint space width in women (P<.0001)" when adjusted for age and dysplastic joint incongruity, Jacobsen said.

"We believe that the present study supports the hypothetical relationship between reduced estrogen levels and hip joint space width reduction in women after the age of 45 years," he said.

The finding could ultimately impact how we approach treatment for this population, Jacobsen noted.

For more information:

• Jacobsen S, Jensen T, Bach-Mortensen P, et al. Reduced bone mineral density is significantly associated with reduced hip joint space width in women. Results from the Copenhagen Osteoarthritis Study. #F784. Presented at the 8th European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Congress. May 11-15, 2007. Florence.