Increased prevalence of osteosarcopenia observed among hip fracture patients, suggests research

A new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research showed that more than 80% of patients with hip fractures had osteosarcopenia, 83.6% had sarcopenia, and 97.95% had osteopenia/osteoporosis.

As the world's population ages, hip fractures are expected to affect 6.3 million people globally by 2050. It is well known that hip fractures require prompt surgery. The primary goal is early mobilization and recovery in order to lower mortality and avoid potentially deadly medical consequences. In addition to the substantial risk of pain and impairment for those who survive, the global death rate is around 10% at one month and 36% at one year. Yet, hip fractures cause 4.5 million disabilities annually and rank in the top 10 worldwide, despite intensive intervention and rehabilitation.

Sarcopenia is characterized by a decrease in the size and quantity of muscle fibers, which may be brought on by changes in the central and peripheral neurological systems, hormones, immunological factors, and lifestyle choices. A rising geriatric monster, osteosarcopenia increases the risk of falls, fractures, disability, and death. Determining the frequency and risk factors of osteosarcopenia in individuals with hip fractures was the aim of this cross-sectional investigation.

A dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan was performed on each patient to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis. The patients were given a 5-time chair stand test, a bioimpedance analysis (BIA) measurement, and a handgrip strength test to evaluate sarcopenia. When sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis coexist, it's called osteosarcopenia. Using logistic regression, risk variables for osteosarcopenia were examined.

A total of 342 individuals with hip fractures (n = 342) were enlisted. Nearly, 286 individuals with hip fractures (83.6%) had sarcopenia. Osteopenia/osteoporosis was seen in 335 hip fracture patients (97.95%). Also, 281 individuals (82.2%) with hip fractures had osteosarcopenia.

Regardless of age or gender, individuals with a body mass index (BMI) < 23 kg/m2 had a 4.33-fold increased risk of developing osteosarcopenia. And, regardless of age or BMI group, the risk of osteosarcopenia was 3.24 times higher in men.

Overall, osteosarcopenia was shown to be extremely common in hip fracture patients, particularly in male patients, and related risk and protective variables were also discovered. Given the possible clinical ramifications, this study advise that routine sarcopenia evaluation be included in Fracture Liaison Services in addition to bone mineral density examination.

Source:

Wong, R. M. Y., Wong, P. Y., Chau, W. W., Liu, C., Zhang, N., & Cheung, W. H. (2025). Very high prevalence of osteosarcopenia in hip fracture patients: risk and protective factors. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 20(1), 423. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-025-05828-7