Kidney Stones Can Increase The Risk Of Bone Fractures

Those who have dealt with kidney stones may also be at an increased risk of bone fractures. Researchers found a potential link between urolithiasis, otherwise known as a formation of kidney, urinary or bladder stones, and an increased risk of the aforementioned problem.

"The significantly higher risk at certain ages in males and females has profound public health implications," said Dr. Denburg, in a news release. "Given that the median time from diagnosis of urolithiasis to fracture was a decade, we might be able to intervene during this interval to reduce the burden of future fracture."

For the study, researchers analyzed data on 51,758 people with bone fractures in the United Kingdom and another 517,276 matched controls without the health issue.

Findings revealed that over about a 5 year time frame, those who developed stones were also more likely to suffer from bone fractures, as well. Furthermore, the risk seemed to be higher among women, with those dealing with urolithiasis at an increased risk of bone fracture from anywhere of 17 to 53 percent; this was particularly true for women between the ages of 30 and 39. Men with the health issue were also at an increased risk of bone fractures at about 10 percent.

It's important to keep in mind that certain factors will also increase the risk of kidney stones, which can potentially lead to bone fractures, as the study shows.

Statistics reveal that various genetic factors and being male in general can increase this risk. Dehydration and age also play a role, with certain medical conditions or medications also to be considered. Lastly obesity or certain digestive diseases can also be a cause for concern regarding this health issue.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.