Assessment of bone status in patients with spinal cord injury

Bone loss in spinal cord injured patients is common problem. Based on high prevalence of osteoporosis in these patients, this study was designed for the first time to evaluate bone mineral density and related markers in spinal cord injured patients.
Inpatients with chronic spinal cord injury who was referring to the clinic of spinal cord injury research center were recruited. Anthropometric, bone mineral density, serum levels of phosphorus, 25(OH)D, ALP, CTX, osteocalcin, PTH, calcitonin and food intake were evaluated.
There was a significant difference in bone density of lumbar and femoral site groups. Serum level of CTX in male group was significantly higher than femoral group (r=0.23). Time since injury was related positively to T. Score and Z. Score lumbar bone mineral density. Patients who was injured at lumbar level had the highest calcitonin level (p=0.04). Mean intake of calcium was 565.7±270mg/day in female group and 835.3±755mg/day in male group, in both it was lower than the recommended amount.
Our study showed that vitamin D and calcium deficiency are common problem and these patients had different grades of low mineral density.