Evaluation of Balance and Functionality in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Using Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Thickness, Beyond Thoracic Hyperkyphosis

To determine the impact of thoracic hyperkyphosis, sarcopenia and quadriceps muscle thickness evaluated by ultrasonography (USG) on balance, fall risk and functional parameters in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, to assess their interrelationships and to compare the clinical characteristics of sarcopenia and thoracic hyperkyphosis.

An observational study was conducted on patients with PMO and/or osteoporotic vertebral fractures according to WHO criteria. One hundred seventeen patients who were 50 years of age or older, with a diagnosis of PMO and/or osteoporotic vertebral fractures according to WHO criteria, who were able to ambulate without any assistive devices were included in the study. Patients with a history of neurological disease which may affect balance and proprioception, visual and vestibular disease, previous major lower extremity surgery or previous vertebra surgery were excluded. The investigators also excluded the patients with advanced heart, liver, or renal failure, stage 4 knee osteoarthritis, psychiatric disorders, and use of any medication affecting the central nervous system. Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, medications, previous surgeries, steroid use, previous fractures and the energy level of these fractures (low or high), fracture location, family history of fractures, alcohol use, smoking, menopausal age and the number of falls in a year were questioned. The FRAX algorithm was used to determine the risk of fracture. The Cobb angle of thoracic kyphosis was calculated radiographically and QFM thickness was measured from anterior thigh via ultrasonography (USG). The presence of sarcopenia was determined. Balance, fall risk and physical function were evaluated with tandem stance and gait test, Berg balance scale (BBS), Timed up and go test (TUG), hand grip strength, chair stand test (CST).