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The New Science of Musculoskeletal Aging in Bone, Muscle, and Tendon/Ligament

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Abstract

As the body ages, changes are seen throughout the musculoskeletal system, namely, within bone, muscle, tendons, and ligaments. An age-related decrease in bone mineral density (BMD), or primary osteoporosis, is defined by the World Health Organization as having a hip or spine BMD of at least 2.5 standard deviations below the mean of young, healthy women measured on dual X-ray absorptiometry. Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, begins at approximately 40 years of age and is more prevalent in the sedentary population. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with aging affect tendon and ligament strength, thus leading to more injuries and prolonged healing time. These changes in the musculoskeletal system can lead to significant disability, thus increasing healthcare costs. Prevention is focused on adequate nutrition, supplements, physical activity, and strength training.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Vonda J. Wright MD, MS

  2. Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL, USA

    Farah Tejpar MD

Authors
  1. Vonda J. Wright MD, MS
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  2. Farah Tejpar MD
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Correspondence to Vonda J. Wright MD, MS .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. UPMC Center for Sports Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Vonda J. Wright

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Kellie K. Middleton

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Wright, V.J., Tejpar, F. (2018). The New Science of Musculoskeletal Aging in Bone, Muscle, and Tendon/Ligament. In: Wright, V., Middleton, K. (eds) Masterful Care of the Aging Athlete. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16223-2_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16223-2_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-16222-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-16223-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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