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- Talk
- 15/09/2021
- Canada
Sex-Specific Hip Fracture Risk Predictors: Differential Importance of Soft and Skeletal Body Parameters Between Males and Females
Description
In this presentation, Andrew Laing discusses his research on sex-specific predictors of hip fracture risk at the University of Waterloo. He emphasizes the importance of understanding which individuals are more likely to suffer a hip fracture after falls, noting the low percentage of falls that result in such injuries. Laing highlights the epidemiological evidence indicating differences between males and females in terms of anthropometric factors, bone quantity, and morphology that affect fracture risk.
The study utilizes human volunteers in fall simulations to test the impact of various factors on hip fracture risk, specifically focusing on whether sex-specific interventions could be valuable in reducing this risk. The research comprises three studies: two involving impact trials to gather data on kinetics during falls, and a third that employs DEXA imaging for skeletal morphology analysis.
Laing outlines the methodology used to create a subject-specific biomechanical model that assesses stress levels in the femoral neck. The results indicate significant differences between males and females in terms of predictors; for females, soft tissue thickness over the greater trochanter was crucial, while for males, bone mineral density and femur morphology played a more significant role.
Furthermore, Laing discusses the relationship between bone mineral density and fracture risk, noting a higher variance in males than in females. In conclusion, the studies advocate for sex-specific strategies in fracture prevention and underscore ongoing work in assessing soft tissue properties for improving protective devices.