Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil., 2007 · DOI: 10.1310/sci1301-123 · Published: January 1, 2007
Preserving bone mass after a spinal cord injury (SCI) is important to reduce the risk of fractures from minimal trauma. After a SCI, bone loss occurs rapidly, with increased calcium excretion and bone mineral loss, potentially stabilizing after 1-2 years but remaining below levels of able-bodied individuals. Treatment options include bisphosphonates to inhibit bone resorption and rehabilitation modalities like electrical stimulation and weight-bearing activities to stimulate muscle and encourage weight-bearing.
Bisphosphonates, especially first and third-generation, show promise in preventing and treating bone loss after SCI, but potential side effects should be considered.
While current evidence for non-pharmacological interventions is limited, further research is needed to optimize rehabilitation modalities for bone health after SCI.
Large, prospective longitudinal studies are essential to better understand bone loss etiology and intervention responses after SCI, alongside improved measurement techniques.