Long spaceflights linked to higher hip fracture rates in astronauts

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings reveals that astronauts who completed spaceflights lasting more than 90 days experienced higher rates of hip fractures compared to those on shorter missions or non-astronauts. Lead investigator Jean D. Sibonga, Ph.D., of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, highlighted that bone loss in microgravity is common and often asymptomatic, leading astronauts to resume demanding activities before skeletal recovery. The research utilized Bayesian probabilistic modeling to analyze fracture data from a cohort of U.S.-based astronauts, overcoming limitations of small sample sizes in traditional statistical methods. While no significant increase was found for all fracture types, hip fractures occurred at younger ages than expected in the general population. Moshe Gertzulin, M.D., of the Hospital for Special Surgery, noted that these findings provide clinical evidence that spaceflight-induced bone loss leads to long-term fracture consequences. To address this, the investigators advocate for expanding NASA’s bone surveillance program beyond dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to include quantitative computed tomography scans. These scans offer detailed insights into bone structure and recovery status, helping mitigate the risk of injury from premature physical exertion. The study underscores the need for preventive measures, including targeted drugs, exercise, and dietary adjustments, to preserve astronauts’ baseline skeletal health before and after missions.

What to watch: The implementation of new quantitative computed tomography protocols in NASA’s pre- and post-flight health assessments.

Editor's note: The draft covers the key findings, methodology, and recommendations from the study, effectively incorporating the source's technical and clinical context.

This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: Phys.org