AbstractIntroduction and Background: Orthopedic patients at risk for bone loss or fractures as a result of underlying musculoskeletal disorders are ideal candidates for bone density evaluation, which is essential for the diagnosis and management of bone-related disorders. When it comes to diagnosing osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fracture risk, the most reliable method is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, which measures bone mineral density. In order to determine whether orthopedic patients are at a higher risk for bone-related problems, this study will evaluate the usefulness and accuracy of DEXA in measuring bone density.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 70 orthopaedic patients with ages ranging from 45 to 75. The research took place from April 2019 to March 2020 at the Orthopedics Department of the I-care Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Haldia, West Bengal, India. Osteoarthritis, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, and previous orthopedic surgeries were among the clinical diagnoses used to classify patients recruited from an orthopedic clinic. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and whole hip for all patients using DEXA scanning. Normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis were the three classifications given to the BMD values according to the World Health Organization's osteoporosis criteria. The BMD results were correlated with demographic data, clinical history, and pertinent risk factors for low bone mass, including age, gender, medication use, and lifestyle factors.
Results: The study comprised 70 orthopedic patients; 25 (35.7%) were classified as having normal bone density, 30 (42.9%) as having osteopenia, and 15 (21.4%) as having osteoporosis. The individuals' average age was 58.2 ± 8.4 years, and osteoporosis was more common in females (60% vs. 40%). Half of the patients had either osteopenia or osteoporosis, with the most frequent disorders being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There was a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05) between advanced age, long-term usage of corticosteroids, and reduced bone mineral density. Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) was more common in the femoral neck area in patients who had suffered fractures or surgeries in the past. According to the findings, orthopedic patients are disproportionately affected by osteopenia and osteoporosis, and DEXA is a great tool for understanding bone health.
Conclusion: A large percentage of orthopedic patients display osteopenia or osteoporosis, and this study emphasizes how common low bone mineral density is in this population. Patients at high risk of fractures and other bone problems could be identified with the use of DEXA scans. In order to avoid fractures and improve patient outcomes, routine screening with DEXA is essential, considering the high prevalence of bone density anomalies in this group. The best way to screen for bone density in certain orthopedic subgroups requires more study.
