Radiographic knee osteoarthritis is associated with higher lumbar spine bone mineral density but not reduced vertebral fracture prevalence: a retrospective cross-sectional study in older Asian women

In this cross-sectional sample of older Asian women, radiographic knee OA was associated with higher lumbar spine BMD but not with lower vertebral fracture prevalence after accounting for age and BMI. Elevated spine BMD in OA may reflect degenerative artifact rather than enhanced skeletal strength. In patients with knee OA, hip BMD and clinical fracture history may provide more reliable indicators of skeletal fragility than lumbar spine BMD alone.