Wheelchair use and Lipophilic Statin Medications May Influence Bone Loss in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: Findings from the FRASCI-bone loss Study

Osteoporos Int, 2016 · DOI: 10.1007/s00198-016-3678-4 · Published: December 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Musculoskeletal Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study investigated factors affecting bone density changes in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The research focused on the impact of wheelchair use and statin medications on bone loss. The findings suggest that walking and statin use may help mitigate bone loss in chronic SCI patients.

Study Duration

21 months

Participants

152 men and women with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Wheelchair users experienced bone loss compared to those who could walk.
2
Statin users showed bone gain compared to non-users.
3
Traditional osteoporosis risk factors like age and gender were not associated with bone loss in this SCI population.

Research Summary

This study prospectively assessed factors associated with change in bone density over a mean of 21 months in 152 men and women with chronic SCI. We found no association between bone loss and traditional osteoporosis risk factors, including age, gender, body composition, or vitamin D level or status (normal or deficient). Our results suggest that both walking and statins may be effective osteogenic therapies to mitigate bone loss and prevent osteoporosis in chronic SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic interventions

Walking and statin use may be effective osteogenic therapies to mitigate bone loss and prevent osteoporosis in chronic SCI.

Mechanical loading importance

Loss of mechanical loading and/or neuronal factors contribute more to disuse osteoporosis than traditional osteoporosis risk factors.

Statin benefits

Lipophilic statin use is associated with a gain in BMD compared to no statin use.

Study Limitations

1
Only studied bone loss at the knee
2
Statin use is by self-report
3
Too few fractures to assess the association between statin use and incident fracture

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury