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. 2025 May;67(5):563-571.
doi: 10.1111/dmcn.16234. Epub 2025 Jan 17.

Prevalence of and risk factors for osteoporosis and fragility fracture in adults with cerebral palsy: A systematic review

Anne Trinh  1   2   3 , Ellen Fremion  4 , Shayan Bhathena  4 , Craig F Munns  5   6 , Prue Morgan  7 , Daniel G Whitney  8 , Bernadette Gillick  9 , Margaret Zacharin  10 , Darcy Fehlings  11 , Amanda J Vincent  3   12 , Frances Milat  1   2   3
Affiliations

Prevalence of and risk factors for osteoporosis and fragility fracture in adults with cerebral palsy: A systematic review

Anne Trinh et al. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2025 May.

Abstract

Aim: To systematically review the prevalence and incidence of osteoporosis, osteopenia, low bone mass, and fragility fracture in adults with cerebral palsy (CP), and identify the risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture.

Method: A systematic literature search was performed in the MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, AMED, Cochrane Reviews, EMBASE, and EBM database reviews from inception until May 2024. Search terms covered a combination of keywords for CP, fracture, osteoporosis, incidence and prevalence, and risk factors. Participants were adults with CP aged 18 years and older. JBI critical appraisal instruments were used to assess quality and risk of bias.

Results: Seventeen of 303 studies met the eligibility criteria to assess the prevalence and incidence of osteoporosis and fracture, and 16 of 663 studies to assess risk factors. Osteoporosis prevalence was 5% in a general adult population with CP, increasing to 43% in those attending outpatient clinics. Osteoporosis incidence reported in one study was 2.85 per 1000 person years. Prevalence of fragility fracture was 5.5% overall but up to 38% in outpatient settings. Risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture included mobility status, nutritional status, and anticonvulsant use.

Interpretation: Low bone density and fracture is common in adults with CP with reduced mobility. The main risk factors for poor bone health are related to reduced mobility, nutrition, and anticonvulsant use.

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