Osteoporosis can be defined as a systemic disease characterised by low bone mineral density and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to enlarged bone fragility and consequently increased fracture risk. Currently, it has been estimated that more than 200 million people are suffering from osteoporosis. According to recent statistics, 1 in 3 women over the age of 50 years and 1 in 5 men will experience osteoporotic fractures in their lifetime. The economic impact of osteoporosis is well known but more importantly, it has a social impact resulting in the loss of mobility and an increased chance of mortality. For further details on osteoporosis please visit the Royal Osteoporosis Society.

As bone loss associated with osteoporosis is symptomless, silent and progressive, the need for an accurate fracture prediction model is crucial. Unfortunately, current diagnostic tool DXA, which measures bone mineral density (BMD), is not without limitations and is arguably a poor predictor of fracture. The National Osteoporosis Risk Assessment showed that 82% of post-menopausal women with fractures had bone of ‘normal’ BMD.

BMD only accounts for the loss of the bone and fails to take into the material properties.

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Our research has shown that there are two additional parameters that affect fracture risk.

Click here for more information on our approach . . . 

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