As what factor increases, so does the risk for a hip fracture independently of the BMD?

As what factor increases, so does the risk for a hip fracture independently of the BMD?

• A. Age
• B. Body mass index
• C. HAL (hip axis length)
• D. Bone density

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is based on the relationship between hip axis length (HAL) and the risk of hip fractures. HAL refers to the length of the hip from the center of the femoral head to the center of the femoral neck, and it plays a significant role in assessing the structural integrity of the hip. As HAL increases, the loading forces during falls or other stressors on the hip joint change, which can affect the vulnerability to fractures. Research indicates that even if bone mineral density (BMD) is adequate, individuals with a longer hip axis length may have a higher risk of experiencing fractures. This is attributed to the increased mechanical leverage that longer bones can exert, leading to a higher likelihood of fracture under certain conditions. Thus, HAL is recognized as an independent risk factor for hip fractures, meaning its impact exists separately from other factors like BMD. In contrast, while age, body mass index, and bone density are also important factors in assessing fracture risk, they primarily influence the likelihood of fractures through different mechanisms or pathways. Age tends to increase the likelihood of decreased bone density and overall bone health, while body mass index influences load and balance. However, HAL's relationship with fracture risk is more direct and independent from BMD, making it the

The correct answer is based on the relationship between hip axis length (HAL) and the risk of hip fractures. HAL refers to the length of the hip from the center of the femoral head to the center of the femoral neck, and it plays a significant role in assessing the structural integrity of the hip. As HAL increases, the loading forces during falls or other stressors on the hip joint change, which can affect the vulnerability to fractures.

Research indicates that even if bone mineral density (BMD) is adequate, individuals with a longer hip axis length may have a higher risk of experiencing fractures. This is attributed to the increased mechanical leverage that longer bones can exert, leading to a higher likelihood of fracture under certain conditions. Thus, HAL is recognized as an independent risk factor for hip fractures, meaning its impact exists separately from other factors like BMD.

In contrast, while age, body mass index, and bone density are also important factors in assessing fracture risk, they primarily influence the likelihood of fractures through different mechanisms or pathways. Age tends to increase the likelihood of decreased bone density and overall bone health, while body mass index influences load and balance. However, HAL's relationship with fracture risk is more direct and independent from BMD, making it the