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- Title
Evolutionary roots of the risk of hip fracture in humans.
- Authors
Avni, Hadas Leah; Shvalb, Nir; Pokhojaev, Ariel; Francis, Samuel; Pelleg-Kallevag, Ruth; Roul, Victoria; Hublin, Jean-Jacques; Rühli, Frank; May, Hila
- Abstract
The transition to bipedal locomotion was a fundamental milestone in human evolution. Consequently, the human skeleton underwent substantial morphological adaptations. These adaptations are responsible for many of today's common physical impairments, including hip fractures. This study aims to reveal the morphological changes in the proximal femur, which increase the risk of intracapsular hip fractures in present-day populations. Our sample includes chimpanzees, early hominins, early Homo Neanderthals, as well as prehistoric and recent humans. Using Geometric Morphometric methods, we demonstrate differences in the proximal femur shape between hominids and populations that practiced different lifestyles. We show that the proximal femur morphology is a risk factor for intracapsular hip fracture independent of osteoporosis. Changes in the proximal femur, such as the shortening of the femoral neck and an increased anterolateral expansion of the greater trochanter, are associated with an increased risk for intracapsular hip fractures. We conclude that intracapsular hip fractures are a trade-off for efficient bipedal walking in humans, and their risk is exacerbated by reduced physical activity. This study demonstrates how proximal femoral adaptations to bipedal locomotion and lifestyles impact the risk of intracapsular hip fracture, independent of osteoporosis
- Publication
Communications Biology, 2023, Vol 6, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
2399-3642
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1038/s42003-023-04633-4