Bone loss in spinal cord-injured patients: from physiopathology to therapy.
METHODS
Review article on bone metabolism and therapeutic approach on bone loss in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).


OBJECTIVE
The first part aims to describe the process of bone demineralization and its effects on bone mass in patients with SCI. The second part describes and discusses the therapeutic approaches to limiting the alteration in bone metabolism related to neurological lesions.


METHODS
Propara Rehabilitation Center, Montpellier, France.


RESULTS
During the first 24 months postinjury, demineralization occurs exclusively in the sublesional areas and predominantly in weight-bearing skeletal sites such as the distal femur and proximal tibia, both of which are trabecular-rich sites. Reduced bone mass, in association with a modified bone matrix property and composition, is very likely at the origin of pathological fractures after minor trauma to which these patients are frequently exposed. Since these fractures may be asymptomatic yet may lead to complications, preventing and managing 'neurological osteoporosis' remains a considerable challenge. Two main approaches are considered: the first consists in applying a mechanical stimulus to the bone tissue by standing, orthotically aided walking or functional electrical stimulation (FES). The second uses medications, particularly antiresorptive drugs such as calcitonin or diphosphonates.


CONCLUSIONS
To develop well-adapted treatments, a more precise understanding of bone loss etiology is needed. The current rehabilitation programs are based on the idea that the bone physiological changes observed in patients with SCI are due to immobility, but results indicate that alterations inherent to neurological damage may play an even greater role in inducing osteoporosis.
Maïmoun
L
L
Centre Mutualiste Neurologique Propara, Montpellier, France.
Fattal
C
C
Micallef
J-P
JP
Peruchon
E
E
Rabischong
P
P
D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D002118:Calcium