Asymmetrical hip bone density in multiple sclerosis.

As multiple sclerosis (MS) may affect one leg more than the other, we predicted that bone mineral density (BMD) would be lower in the limb self-identified as more affected. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether ambulatory individuals with MS displaying moderate-to-severe lower-extremity paresis exhibit asymmetrical femoral neck BMD. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to assess proximal femoral neck BMD. Lower BMD was observed in the proximal femoral neck of the more paretic limb (P = .001) in a group (N = 23) of ambulatory individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Our preliminary findings suggest that bilateral hip screening may be important in the early detection of compromised bone health in ambulatory individuals with RRMS. Further research is warranted to fully characterize the factors and mechanisms associated with bone loss and identify effective strategies for optimizing bone health in people with MS.