Association of Bone Mineral Density With Deformity of the Distal Radius in Low-Energy Colles' Fractures in Japanese Women Above 50 Years of Age

Purpose To investigate whether the degree of radiographically observed pretreatment radius deformity of low-energy Colles' type distal radius fractures resulting from falls is associated with the degree of bone fragility as measured by bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine in Japanese women above 50 years of age. Methods The study subjects were 125 consecutive Japanese women older than 50 years of age with Colles' type (AO type A and C) dorsally angulated distal radius fractures caused by falls. Fractures due to high-energy injuries such as traffic accidents were excluded. Radius deformity was assessed on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs by measuring ulnar variance, radial inclination, and dorsal angulation at initial examination before manual repositioning of the bone. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine was also measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at the follow-up visit. Results There were significant differences in the respective values of ulnar variance, radial inclination, and dorsal angulation between patients with BMD values