Biochemical bone markers and bone density in hip fracture patients: weak correlation in 106 women.

Biochemical markers of bone formation and bone resorption were measured preoperatively, within 18 hours after a hip fracture (n 106) and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with quantitative computer tomography (QCT), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and heel ultrasound in 63 hip fracture patients. Patients with pertrochanteric fractures had more osteoporosis in all measurements than patients with femoral neck fractures. We found no differences in biochemical markers of bone formation or bone resorption in patients with femoral neck fractures and in those with pertrochanteric fractures. Correlations between biochemical bone markers and bone density, bone mass and stiffness on admission were weak.