Fractura de colles y osteoporosis generalizada

In this paper the association between Colles' fracture and generalized osteoporosis in women is revisited. It seems clear from the literature review that an epidemiological and physiopathological relationship exist among these entities. Women who had suffered a Colles' fracture not only show a diminished bone mineral density when compared to controls at all relevant osteoporotic areas, they also have more frequently vertebral and hip fractures. Genetic studies and family pedigree surveys have confirmed this association. It is noteworthy that younger postmenopausal women, usually younger than 65 years of age, show the stronger relationship. Thus, all postmenopausal women with an history of Colles' fracture, and specifically those under 65 years, should be evulated in order to rule out an underlying osteoporosis.