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Osteosarcopenia: the Path Beyond Controversy

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Osteosarcopenia is commonly accepted as the presence of low muscle mass and function (sarcopenia) and low bone mineral density (osteopenia and osteoporosis). Osteosarcopenia remains a topic of controversy as researchers worldwide seek to elucidate whether osteosarcopenia is associated with greater risk of negative outcomes than its component parts. This review examines the latest research and controversies, and charts a path forward.

Recent Findings

Osteosarcopenia may occur in 5–37% of community-dwelling adults over the age of 65. This wide range is driven by variation in population, setting, and definitions applied. These differences in study design have resulted in mixed findings in associations with adverse outcomes for older adults living with osteosarcopenia. Research into interventions to prevent or treat osteosarcopenia, such as exercise, protein supplementation, and pharmacotherapy, is in its infancy but examined herein.

Summary

The absence of a consensus operational definition of sarcopenia, and inaccurate measures of muscle mass, has hampered global progress in the field. We present a case for the path forward by reflecting on our recent history.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St. Albans, VIC, Australia

    Jesse Zanker & Gustavo Duque

  2. Department of Medicine - Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, VIC, Australia

    Jesse Zanker & Gustavo Duque

  3. Department of Geriatric Medicine, Western Health, St Albans, VIC, Australia

    Jesse Zanker & Gustavo Duque

Authors
  1. Jesse Zanker
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  2. Gustavo Duque
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Correspondence to Gustavo Duque.

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Conflict of Interest

Jesse Zanker and Gustavo Duque declare no conflict of interest. Dr. Duque is a Section Editor for Current Osteoporosis Reports. Thank you to David Burr, Andrea Bonetto, and Marco Brotto for reviewing this piece.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Zanker, J., Duque, G. Osteosarcopenia: the Path Beyond Controversy. Curr Osteoporos Rep 18, 81–84 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-020-00567-6

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