The Relationship Between Anthropometric and Ultrasonographic Muscle and Subcutaneous Fat Thickness Measurements and Osteoporosis in Male Patients

Abstract

Objective: In this study, the relationship between osteoporosis severity and fat and muscle mass and strength in osteoporotic men was compared with anthropometric and ultrasonographic measurements. Materials and Methods: Forty-three osteoporotic men who applied to the physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic were evaluated as follows: osteoporosis severity by dual energy X-ray absorbtiometry T-scores and bone mineral densities (BMD), muscle strength by Jamar Hand Dynanometer, muscle mass by anthropometric mid arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and ultrasonographic mid-upper arm muscle thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness by triceps skinfold thickness caliper and ultrasonographic triceps subcutaneous fat thickness. The smoking use of the patients was noted and their physical activity levels were evaluated with the international physical activity questionnaire. Results: A statistically significant correlation was found with MAMC and femur neck T-score, femur total T-score, femur total BMD, mid-upper arm muscle thickness and triceps skinfold thickness caliper (p<0.05, r=0.391, r=0.358, r=0.319, r=0.352, r=0.440, respectively). A statistically significant correlation was found with mid-upper arm muscle thickness and femur neck T-score, femur neck BMD, femur total T-score and hand grip strength (p<0.05, r=0.500, r=0.315, r=0.396, r=0.407, respectively). Triceps skinfold measurement was significantly correlated with ultrasonographic triceps subcutaneous fat thickness, MAMC and hand grip strength (p<0.01, r=0.502, r=0.440, r=0.413, r=0.352, r=-0.440, respectively). Conclusion: MAMC and ultrasonographic mid-upper arm muscle thickness measurements are associated with the severity of osteoporosis. Simple and rapid ultrasonographic and anthropometric measurements can provide information about osteoporosis and sarcopenia in men.