Progressive loss of bone in the femoral neck in elderly people: longitudinal findings from the Dubbo osteoporosis epidemiology study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine prospectively the rates of change in bone mineral density in elderly people and to examine the relation between lifestyle and demographic factors and these rates of change.


METHODS
Longitudinal population based study.


METHODS
Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia.


METHODS
Representative sample (n = 769) of residents aged > or = 60 on 1 January 1989.


METHODS
Rates of change in bone mineral density measured prospectively (mean scan interval 2.5 years) at the femoral neck and lumbar spine by dual energy x ray absorptiometry.


RESULTS
Summary rates of loss in the femoral neck were 0.96% per year (95% confidence interval 0.64% to 1.28%) in women and 0.82% per year (0.52% to 1.12%) in men. Importantly, rates of loss at the femoral neck (both percentage and absolute) increased in both sexes with advancing age. No significant loss was evident in either sex at the lumbar spine, probably because of coexistent osteoarthritis. Lifestyle factors had only modest effects on rates of loss at either site.


CONCLUSIONS
These data show that bone density of the femoral neck declines at an increasing rate in elderly people, and as this site is predictive of fracture suggest that treatment to minimise bone loss may be important even in very elderly people.
Jones
G
G
Bone and Mineral Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
Nguyen
T
T
Sambrook
P
P
Kelly
P J
PJ
Eisman
J A
JA
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology; D015519:Bone Density; D005260:Female; D005272:Femur Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors