Whether in osteoporosis or fractures, men and women are not at the same risk. These differences must be better taken into account.
- Women injure their anterior cruciate ligament 2-8 times more than men
- Ankle sprains are twice as common in women
- Male mortality after hip fracture is twice as high as female mortality
Men and women are not equal when it comes to musculoskeletal diseases, and their management suffers. Osteoporosis is much more common in women and men are undertreated. Five American researchers carried out a review of the literature, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. They conclude that the differences in the manifestations of musculoskeletal disorders must be better taken into account in order to achieve better quality care.
No more joint injuries
Women are 2-8 times more victims of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. An accident that occurs especially during intense sports such as football or basketball, which require rapid changes in orientation of the body. “After reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, women return to sport less often than men,” analyze the authors of the study. Additionally, prospective studies show that women have a higher rate of contralateral injuries after a first injury. If women hurt themselves more, it’s simply because their anatomy is different. Other studies have shown greater knee laxity during the ovulation period of women.
Ankle sprains are also twice as common in the fair sex. It is not the wearing of heels – prone to accidents – that justifies this. “Men and women have different stabilization strategies, which suggests that these differences may affect the stability of the joint during injury,” the researchers write. Conversely, fractures of the bones of the hand (metacarpals) and phalanges are more common in men.
Osteoporosis: a problematic situation
Women suffer more from osteoporosis-related hip fractures. But mortality from this type of fracture is higher in men. The authors stress that doctors do not always know how to recognize osteoporosis in both men and women, and therefore treat it less well. The other characteristic peculiar to men is their poorer recovery: mortality is almost doubled for males.
But the situation is more complex. In women, a hip fracture is linked to osteoporosis in the majority of cases. “When older men fracture their hip, osteoporosis is only one possible diagnosis,” the researchers say. The etiology of the fracture is often the result of an underlying disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, alcoholism, or gonadal impairment. “
“Knowing that there are differences in the incidence and manifestation (of these diseases) between men and women is an important part of the diagnosis and management of patients,” concludes the lead author of the study, Jennifer Moriatis Wolf. By identifying both the similarities and the differences, we will allow healthcare professionals to offer better quality care to patients admitted to orthopedics. “
.
