Abstract Details

Title Post-stroke Bone Fragility: Early Bone Loss, Risk Factors, and Recovery Considerations

Topic Cerebrovascular Disease and Interventional Neurology

Presentation(s) P9 - Poster Session 9 (5:00 PM-6:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 5-004

Objective To evaluate the mechanisms, consequences, and management strategies of post-stroke bone fragility and propose approaches for improved prevention of fracture-related morbidity in stroke survivors.

Background Stroke survivors experience significant bone mineral density (BMD) loss, particularly in hemiplegic limbs, due to reduced mobility, muscle weakness, and altered bone remodeling. This skeletal fragility increases fracture risk, compounding neurologic impairment and diminishing functional independence. Despite recognition of these complications, osteoporosis screening and treatment remain inconsistent in post-stroke care.

Design/Methods This review synthesizes current evidence on the timing and extent of post-stroke bone loss, associated risk factors, and clinical outcomes. Literature on rehabilitation strategies, pharmacologic interventions, and screening practices was analyzed to identify key gaps and opportunities for improvement.

Results Early and significant BMD decline is well-documented, with hemiparetic limbs showing rapid demineralization. Fracture risk is elevated compared to age-matched controls, with hip fractures contributing to greater long-term disability and reliance on institutional care. Rehabilitation approaches, including structured physical activity and early mobilization, show potential to attenuate bone loss, while pharmacologic strategies such as bisphosphonates and vitamin D supplementation remain underutilized. Current protocols rarely include routine osteoporosis screening or fracture-prevention interventions in stroke pathways.

Conclusions Post-stroke bone fragility represents a predictable and preventable complication that is under-recognized in clinical practice. Timely diagnosis, incorporation of bone health screening, and individualized rehabilitation can reduce fracture burden. Multidisciplinary collaboration among neurology, rehabilitation, geriatrics, and orthopedics is essential to address this gap. Reframing bone fragility as a core outcome of stroke recovery, rather than a secondary issue, may improve long-term function and quality of life for survivors.

Authors/Disclosures
Ali Osman PRESENTER	Mr. Osman has nothing to disclose.
Tala Maya	Mrs. Maya has nothing to disclose.
Natasha Doshi, Medical Student	Miss Doshi has nothing to disclose.
Hana Abbas, MS, MPH	Ms. Abbas has nothing to disclose.
David X. Marquez	Prof. Marquez has nothing to disclose.
Zinoubia Hasasna	Miss Hasasna has nothing to disclose.
Nabil Morgan	Mr. Morgan has nothing to disclose.
Alex Chelton, OMS III	Mr. Chelton has nothing to disclose.
Janae Rasmussen, DO	Dr. Rasmussen has nothing to disclose.
Mohammad Abubakr, BS	Mr. Abubakr has nothing to disclose.

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