Researchers find evidence linking frailty in men with reduced bone strength

Frailty is associated with an increased risk of fractures in part because frailty predisposes to falls.  What is less well known is whether frailty is linked also with a reduction in bone strength.

Research carried out by Michael Cook, Research Assistant, and Dr Alexander Oldroyd, NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow, Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences at The University of Manchester, looked at the relationship between frailty and bone health in men.

The research was based on participants in the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS), led by Professor Fred Wu at The University of Manchester. More than 3,300 middle age and older men across eight European countries took part in the study, completing comprehensive assessments including a detailed bone health assessment comprising heel ultrasound and also bone density testing at the hip and spine.

The results of the research showed that frail men had significantly poorer bone health compared to those without frailty.

Professor Terry O’Neill, Research Lead at the NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit and part of the research team, explained:

“Our research shows that frailty in men is associated with a reduction in bone strength. The findings highlight the importance of optimising bone health as well as preventing falls, as a strategy to reduce fractures in frail older people”

This research was supported by the NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, a partnership between Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester.