Researchers at the University of Otago have identified a link between multiple childhood fractures and a higher likelihood of osteoporosis and more fractures in adulthood. The findings were published in Osteoporosis International.
The team examined fracture histories in a cohort of middle-aged adults born between April 1972 and March 1973. Their analysis showed that individuals who sustained fractures more than once during childhood tended to experience roughly double the number of fractures in adulthood compared with those who had no childhood fractures. In other words, avoiding fractures in childhood correlated with a lower risk of fractures later in life.
Among women, the study also found a drop in hip bone density by age 45 associated with a history of multiple childhood fractures. The research did not find a strong link between fracture risk and certain behavioral factors, such as risky activities, obesity, experiences of childhood abuse, or participation in sports.
While the biological mechanisms behind these associations remain to be clarified, the observed correlations emphasize the importance of awareness for individuals at elevated risk. The researchers stressed that understanding these patterns can guide early screening and prevention efforts.
As practical steps, the authors highlighted regular physical activity, sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake, and higher consumption of protein and dairy products as measures that may help support bone health and reduce future bone mineral density problems. These recommendations align with general guidelines for maintaining strong bones throughout adulthood and can be incorporated into daily routines with relative ease.
The study contributes to a growing body of knowledge about how early life factors influence skeletal health later on. It suggests that a childhood period marked by multiple fractures might serve as a marker for clinicians to consider proactive bone health strategies in midlife, including targeted screening and lifestyle interventions. Such an approach could potentially lessen the burden of osteoporosis and related fractures in later years.