Abstract
Purpose of the Review
The aim of this review is to briefly introduce updates in global fracture epidemiology and then to highlight recent contributions to understanding ethnic differences in bone density, geometry and microarchitecture and consider how these might contribute to differences in fracture risk. The review focuses on studies using peripheral quantitative computed tomography techniques.
Recent Findings
Recent studies have contributed to our understanding of the differences in fracture incidence both between countries, as well as between ethnic groups living within the same country. In terms of understanding the reasons for ethnic differences in fracture incidence, advanced imaging techniques continue to increase our understanding, though there remain relatively few studies.
Summary
It is a priority to continue to understand the epidemiology, and changes in the patterns of, fracture, as well as the underlying phenotypic and biological reasons for the ethnic differences which are observed.
Cluster analysis of bone microarchitecture from high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography demonstrates two separate phenotypes associated with high fracture risk in men and women
