Biomechanics of Bone and Fracture

Abstract

The incidence of vertebral fractures has increased three- to fourfold for women and more than fourfold for men during the last 30 years. In the UK and Scandinavia, fractures of the femoral neck have shown the same pattern, with a two- to threefold increase in incidence for both men and women. The data are age-adjusted and therefore highlight the decrease in bone mass or bone quality from generation to generation. To arrest or reverse these increases in osteoporotic fractures, effective preventive regimens must be established. However, in order to do so, a basic understanding of age-related changes in the quality and strength of vertebral bone and of the femoral neck is crucial.