Fractures and resulting morbidity, mortality and costs are a large and growing burden among older men.
The fracture rate increases exponentially after age 65, and the average age of hip fracture is >80 yrs. Fracture risk in later life is strongly influenced by declines in bone structure and strength. Yet, in older men there are very few studies with longitudinal data concerning these changes in bone structure. Thus, this study will focus on repeating measures of bone structure and strength using HR-pQCT technology in men participating in the MrOS study, all of whom are now aged 84 years and older. This grant is funded by the NIH, under the “high priority, short term project” (R56) award mechanism. This project will serve as a foundation for future work including identification of predictors of change in bone strength and size at the peripheral skeleton. For additional award information, click here.