J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2004 Jun;28(3):214-219.

Characteristics of Bone Mineral Density in Hemiplegic Upper Extremity

• Ko MH
• Lee RJ
• Lim ST
• Park SH
• Seo JH

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Bone mineral loss in the upper extremity of hemiplegic patients can increase the prevalence of fractures that interrupt the rehabilitation program and lower the level of activity. The aim of this study was to investigate any difference between the affected and unaffected forearm's bone mineral density (BMD) and evaluate the relationship between several clinical variables and osteoporosis of hemiplegic forearm. METHOD: Sixty-seven hemiplegic patients (42 males, 25 females, mean age 55.2 years) were enrolled. The BMD of radius was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in 67 hemiplegic subjects. RESULTS: The BMD of affected forearm was significantly lower than unaffected side (p<0.05). The reduction of BMD in the hemiplegic forearm well correlated with duration of hemiplegia, self care of functional independence measure score, complex regional pain syndrome-type 1 (CRPS-1) (p<0.05). But, there was no correlation between BMD and modified Ashworth scale, muscle power of wrist extension. CONCLUSION: Hemiplegic forearm had high prevalence of osteoporosis like lower extremity. Therefore, increasing level of ADL and early detection of CRPS-1 was necessary for prevention of osteoporosis of forearm.

Keyword

Hemiplegia; Osteoporosis; Bone mineral density

MeSH Terms

Absorptiometry, Photon
Activities of Daily Living
Bone Density*
Female
Forearm
Hemiplegia
Humans
Lower Extremity
Male
Osteoporosis
Prevalence
Radius
Rehabilitation
Self Care
Upper Extremity*
Wrist