Fractures in Relation to Menstrual Status and Bone Parameters in Young Athletes.
BACKGROUND
This study was aimed to compare fracture prevalence in oligoamenorrheic athletes (AA), eumenorrheic athletes (EA), and nonathletes (NA) and determine relationships with bone density, structure, and strength estimates.


METHODS
One hundred seventy-five females (100 AA, 35 EA, and 40 NA) 14-25 yr old were studied. Lifetime fracture history was obtained through participant interviews. Areal bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by DXA at the spine, hip, and whole body (WB). Bone structure was assessed by HRpQCT at the radius and tibia, and strength by finite element analysis.


RESULTS
AA, EA, and NA did not differ in age, sexual maturity, or height. AA had lower BMI, and older menarchal age than EA and NA (P ≤ 0.001). Bone mineral density Z-scores were lower in AA versus EA at the total hip, femoral neck, spine, and whole body (P ≤ 0.001). Lifetime fracture risk was higher in AA than EA and NA (47%, 25.7%, 12.5%; P ≤ 0.001), largely driven by stress fractures in AA versus EA and NA (32% vs 5.9% vs 0%). In AA, those who fractured had lower lumbar and WB BMD Z-scores, volumetric BMD (vBMD) of outer trabecular region in radius and tibia, and trabecular thickness of the radius (P ≤ 0.05). In AA, those who had two or more stress fractures had lower lumbar and WB BMD Z-scores, total cross-sectional area, trabecular vBMD, stiffness, and failure load at radius; and lower stiffness and failure load at tibia versus those with fewer than two stress fractures (P ≤ 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Weight-bearing athletic activity increases BMD but may increase stress fracture risk in those with menstrual dysfunction. Bone microarchitecture and strength differences are more pronounced in AA with multiple stress fractures. This is the first study to examine fractures in relation to bone structure in adolescent female athletes.
1Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; 2Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; 3Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and 4Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Kathryn E
KE
Ackerman
Natalia
N
Cano Sokoloff
Giovana
G
DE Nardo Maffazioli
Hannah M
HM
Clarke
Hang
H
Lee
Madhusmita
M
Misra
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000150:complications*; D056352:Athletes; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D055815:Young Adult