A new paper out of the United States reveals there are many differences between how males and females develop several common musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Some of the differences include:
• Metacarpal and phalangeal (finger) fractures are more common in males.
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are 2-8 times more common in females.
• Females are five to eight times more likely than males to suffer an ACL injury in high-intensity sports like soccer and basketball that require sudden changes of motion.
• Ankle sprains are twice as common in females.
• Osteoarthritis of the knee is more common in females.
ABout 30 per cent of hip fracture occur in men, who are twice as likely as women to die in the year after the fracture, found Male and Female Differences Matter in Musculoskeletal Disease. In addition, doctors don't always recognize or treat osteoporosis in men as often as they do in women.
"Knowing that there are differences in incidences and presentation between males and females is an important part of diagnosing and treating patients," says orthopaedic surgeon Jennifer Moriatis Wolf, the lead study author. "Identifying both similarities and differences will allow health-care providers to deliver better care to every orthopaedic patient."
The paper also underscores the importance of recognizing how multiple factors can contribute to musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
Some of the differences include:
• Metacarpal and phalangeal (finger) fractures are more common in males.
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are 2-8 times more common in females.
• Females are five to eight times more likely than males to suffer an ACL injury in high-intensity sports like soccer and basketball that require sudden changes of motion.
• Ankle sprains are twice as common in females.
• Osteoarthritis of the knee is more common in females.
ABout 30 per cent of hip fracture occur in men, who are twice as likely as women to die in the year after the fracture, found Male and Female Differences Matter in Musculoskeletal Disease. In addition, doctors don't always recognize or treat osteoporosis in men as often as they do in women.
"Knowing that there are differences in incidences and presentation between males and females is an important part of diagnosing and treating patients," says orthopaedic surgeon Jennifer Moriatis Wolf, the lead study author. "Identifying both similarities and differences will allow health-care providers to deliver better care to every orthopaedic patient."
The paper also underscores the importance of recognizing how multiple factors can contribute to musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
