Osteoporosis & bone health

Forearm bone mineral density (BMD) predicts fracture independently of FRAX

Osteoporos IntPublished Meta-analysis of primary data from cohort studies

Authors' conclusion

Forearm BMD is a risk factor for MOF and hip fracture risk beyond the risk attributable to FRAX.

Study context

Population
Men and women from 11 predominantly population-based cohorts, mean follow-up 11.1 years
Participants
35,121 men11 cohorts
Comparison
Forearm BMD per 1 SD difference, with and without adjustment for FRAX
Outcome
Gradient of risk (HR per 1 SD difference in forearm BMD) for major osteoporotic fracture
Methodological detailspredominantly population-based cohorts, Poisson regression extension, weighted coefficients
  • Predominantly population-based cohorts
  • Poisson regression extension
  • Weighted coefficients

Pooled result

As reported in the abstract

Major osteoporotic fracture, GR of forearm BMD

Gradient of risk (GR) adjusted for age and time since baseline

1.41

95% CI 1.31–1.51

GR additionally adjusted for FRAX 10-year probability of MOF

1.34

95% CI 1.26–1.44

Further pooled results

Hip fracture, GR of forearm BMD

GR
1.48 (95% CI 1.35-1.62)
GR after adjustment for FRAX
1.39 (95% CI 1.27-1.52)

Original publication

Forearm BMD predicts fracture independently of FRAX. Osteoporos Int. Published 23 April 2026. doi:10.1007/s00198-026-08048-9

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