Osteopenia and Metatarsal Fractures in Diabetic Neuropathy

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.1985.tb00683.x
• Publication Date: 2009-07-30T12:10:09Z
• Authors: T. F. Cundy; M. E. Edmonds; P. J. Watkins
• Keywords: Osteopenia; Metatarsal bones; Diabetic Neuropathy; Osteopathy

Radiographs of the hands and feet 19 diabetic patients with severe neuropathy were compared to those 22 control without neuropathy. The two groups matched for age, sex, duration diabetes. Cortical bone mass, measured by x-ray morphometry, was significantly lower in both (p less than 0.002) 0.001) osteopenia worse also women. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels higher group 0.005). Metatarsal fractures a frequent finding neuropathic patients, but not seen controls. presence metatarsal strongly associated subsequent development osteopathy 0.001). We conclude that cortical mass is reduced This may contribute predisposition fracture osteopathy.