Abstract
Locomotive organs play an important role in preserving the ability to perform activities of daily living. Loss or dysfunction of locomotive organs due to osteoporosis or other bone- or joint-related disease can result in decreased independence and bedridden status. Osteoporosis, in particular, is a major problem in older people because of bone fragility and results in pain and/or impaired walking ability after hip fracture and kyphosis after vertebral fractures. Risk factors for osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures are low bone mineral density, prevalent fractures, excessive alcohol intake, and smoking. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency (low 25-hydroxyvitamin D level) is associated with hip and vertebral fractures in Niigata, Nagoya, Tottori, and Kumamoto. Serum vitamin D level appears to be an index of fracture risk. Risk factors including vitamin D level should take into consideration in the aged population.
