Ayse Zengin1, Louise J Maple-Brown2,3, Sharon Brennan-Olsen4,5,6, Jacqueline R Center7,8, Sandra Eades9,10, Peter R Ebeling11. 1. Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Level 5/Block E, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia. ayse.zengin@monash.edu. 2. Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia. 3. Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia. 4. Department of Medicine-Western Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. 5. Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), University of Melbourne and Western Health, Melbourne, Australia. 6. Australian Health Policy Collaboration, Melbourne, Australia. 7. Bone Biology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia. 8. Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. 9. Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. 10. Aboriginal Health Domain, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia. 11. Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Level 5/Block E, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Research on non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Indigenous Australians has mostly focused on diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney or cardiovascular disease. Osteoporosis, characterised by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, and sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, often co-exist with these common NCDs-the combination of which will disproportionately increase bone fragility and fracture risk and negatively influence cortical and trabecular bone. Furthermore, the social gradient of NCDs, including osteoporosis and fracture, is well-documented, meaning that specific population groups are likely to be at greater risk of poorer health outcomes: Indigenous Australians are one such group. PURPOSE: This review summarises the findings reported in the literature regarding the muscle and bone health of Indigenous Australians. FINDINGS: There are limited data regarding the musculoskeletal health of Indigenous Australians; however, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is reported to be greater at the hip compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations in older Australians, particularly Indigenous Australians, with a great proportion suffering from fall-related fractures. Despite sparse data, it appears that Indigenous men and women have a substantially higher risk of hip fracture at a much younger age compared to non-Indigenous Australians. CONCLUSION: Data on more detailed musculoskeletal health outcomes are required in Indigenous Australians to better understand fracture risk and to formulate evidence-based strategies for fracture prevention and to minimise the risk of falls.
INTRODUCTION: Research on non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Indigenous Australians has mostly focused on diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney or cardiovascular disease. Osteoporosis, characterised by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, and sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, often co-exist with these common NCDs-the combination of which will disproportionately increase bone fragility and fracture risk and negatively influence cortical and trabecular bone. Furthermore, the social gradient of NCDs, including osteoporosis and fracture, is well-documented, meaning that specific population groups are likely to be at greater risk of poorer health outcomes: Indigenous Australians are one such group. PURPOSE: This review summarises the findings reported in the literature regarding the muscle and bone health of Indigenous Australians. FINDINGS: There are limited data regarding the musculoskeletal health of Indigenous Australians; however, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is reported to be greater at the hip compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations in older Australians, particularly Indigenous Australians, with a great proportion suffering from fall-related fractures. Despite sparse data, it appears that Indigenous men and women have a substantially higher risk of hip fracture at a much younger age compared to non-Indigenous Australians. CONCLUSION: Data on more detailed musculoskeletal health outcomes are required in Indigenous Australians to better understand fracture risk and to formulate evidence-based strategies for fracture prevention and to minimise the risk of falls.
Authors: Ayse Zengin; Cat Shore-Lorenti; Marc Sim; Louise Maple-Brown; Sharon Lee Brennan-Olsen; Joshua R Lewis; Jennifer Ockwell; Troy Walker; David Scott; Peter Ebeling Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2022-04-04 Impact factor: 2.692