A cutting-edge 3D simulation method developed by researchers at Lund University in Sweden could revolutionize how we identify and manage the risk of osteoporotic fractures, especially hip fractures.
This method promises to spot those at high risk much earlier than current diagnostic techniques. The study’s findings were recently published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
Bridging the Gap in Current Diagnostics
Currently, osteoporosis—a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle—leads to approximately 120,000 bone fractures in Sweden annually.
The diagnosis is usually confirmed through a 2D X-ray examination, often after the first fracture has occurred. This approach misses about half of those at high risk for further fractures.
“Up to now there have been no reliable methods for identifying the condition at an early stage, importantly before the first fracture occurs,” says Hanna Isaksson, professor of biomedical engineering at Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering (LTH).
3D Over 2D: A Game-Changer in Risk Identification
The new method employs 3D simulations created from 2D X-ray images to produce a detailed model of the thigh bone, allowing clinicians to simulate different scenarios, such as falls, to assess fracture risk better.
“The shift from 2D to 3D is conducted with the help of a computer-simulated template that describes how the bone’s geometry and bone density varies in the population,” explains Lorenzo Grassi, associate senior lecturer in biomedical engineering at Lund University.
Empirical Evidence
The study, which evaluated the new method based on patient data from 2,000 people, concluded that about 1,000 more people per year at high risk for a hip fracture could be identified using the 3D simulation technique.
“If the people who actually sustained a hip fracture had been examined using the new method, those with low bone strength could have been identified and some of the bone fractures could have been avoided,” says Hanna Isaksson.
Financial and Humanitarian Impact
The potential of this new method extends beyond accurate diagnosis—it also promises to enhance patients’ quality of life and reduce societal costs.
The annual cost of osteoporosis treatment in Sweden for 2019 was estimated at SEK 23 billion (around $2.6 billion USD).
“Of those who sustain a hip fracture, 24 percent die within one year,” Isaksson notes, emphasizing the life-saving potential of the new technique.
Looking Ahead
As they continue to fine-tune the method, the researchers aim to integrate it into both general and specialist healthcare settings for osteoporosis.
The goal is to make this groundbreaking 3D simulation method an essential supplement to current diagnostics, helping to reverse the growing trend of osteoporosis-related costs and mortality.
If you care about bone health, please read studies about vitamin K deficiency linked to hip fractures in old people, and these vitamins could help reduce bone fracture risk.
For more information about bone health, please see recent studies about healthy diet that may be bad to your bones, and results showing too much vitamin may increase your risk of bone fractures.
The research findings can be found in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
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