Thigh Muscle Composition and Its Relationship to Functional Recovery Post Hip Fracture Over Time and Between Sexes. Issue 12 (17th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eastlack, Marty; Miller, Ram R; Hicks, Gregory E; Gruber-Baldini, Ann; Orwig, Denise L; Magaziner, Jay; Ryan, Alice S
• Editors: Lipsitz, Lewis A
• Is Part Of: Journals of gerontology. Volume 77:Issue 12(2022)
• Page Start: 2445
• Page End: 2452
• Publication Date: 2022-05-17
• Subjects: Computed tomography (CT scan) -- Physical function -- Sex differences; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glac112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1079-5006

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Computed tomography (CT)-scan measures of muscle composition may be associated with recovery post hip fracture. Methods: In an ancillary study to Baltimore Hip Studies Seventh cohort, older adults were evaluated at 2 and 6 months post hip fracture. CT-scan measures of muscle were acquired at 2 months. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was measured at 2 and 6 months. Generalized estimating equations were used to model the association of muscle measures and physical function, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and time postfracture. Results: Seventy-one older adults (52% males, age 79.6 ± 7.3 years) were included. At 2-months, males had greater thigh cross-sectional area (CSA, p < .0001) and less low-density muscle ( p = .047), and intermuscular adipose tissue ( p = .007) than females on the side of the fracture, while females performed better on the SPPB ( p = .05). Muscle measures on the fractured side were associated with function at 2 months in both sexes. Participants with the lowest tertile of muscle CSA difference at 2-months, indicating greater symmetry in CSA between limbs, performed better than the other 2 tertiles at 6-months. Males performed worse in functional measures at baseline and did not recover as well as females ( p = .02). Conclusion: CT-scan measures of muscle CSA and fatty infiltration were associated with function at 2-months post hip fracture and with improvement in function by 6 months. Observed sex differences in these associations suggest that rehabilitation strategies may need to be adapted by sex after hip fracture.