Skeletal muscle tissue composition ratio in patients with hip fracture: Comparison of fractured side and non-fractured side

BACKGROUND: The extent of asymmetry in the muscle tissue composition ratios with hip fractures has not been clarified. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a difference in the muscle tissue composition ratios between the fractured and non-fractured sides of the trunk and thighs immediate measurement. METHODS: Forty-four patients (84.6 ± 7.0 years) were included. Computed tomography images were used for measurements. The muscle tissue composition ratio was measured using muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and attenuation coefficient (Hounsfield units; HU). Defined each HU attenuation range as follows: low-density muscle (LDM), low-quality muscle tissue with fat infiltration, normal-density muscle (NDM), muscle contractor tissue, and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), fat infiltration tissue. The CSA of each muscle tissue was expressed as a percentage: %LDM, %NDM, and %IMAT. A paired t-test was performed for comparison. RESULTS: The %LDM on the fractured side was higher in the thigh and erector spinae. The %NDM on the fractured side was lower in the thigh. There was no significant difference in the %IMAT for all muscles. CONCLUSION: The thigh on the fractured side showed asymmetry with low %NDM and high %LDM. This characteristic captures a characteristic of muscle tissue that may have importance in hip fracture etiology.