Lower bone density and structural changes make bones more vulnerable to fracture.
SCI-related bone loss particularly affects regions below the injury, including hips and knees. Bone changes can begin soon after injury.
Reduced loading and changes in multiple body systems contribute to bone loss. The relative contributions of these mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
Injury characteristics, time since injury, and other personal factors influence fracture risk.
Bisphosphonates slow bone breakdown and may prevent or treat bone loss. These drugs can be administered through different routes.
