| Theme |
Bone metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis |
| Title |
Osteoporosis and insufficiency fractures in rheumatoid arthritis |
| Author |
Jun Hashimoto |
Department of Orthopaedics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a greater risk of osteoporosis and fractures than the general population. One of the most characteristic features seen in fractures occurring in patients with RA is a high incidence of fractures other than vertebral or hip, including those in the pelvis and lower extremities. Another characteristic is the high incidence of insufficiency fractures which are difficult to properly diagnose. It is essential to prevent further functional loss due to fractures in cases where they have occurred in RA patients and also to prevent future fractures. In order to do that, we must become skilled at diagnosing insufficiency fractures in patients with RA and gain a deep understanding of the importance of preventing secondary osteoporosis soon after diagnosing RA. |