Bone Mineral Density Evaluation in Four Different Occupational Groups

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and to discuss the potential risk factors for osteoporosis in\udfour different occupational groups.\udMaterials and Methods: In this study, 100 males who were admitted to our clinics for their periodic occupational controls and 40 healthy\udsubjects were included. Demographic features of the participants were recorded. BMD was evaluated by Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry\ud(DXA) from lumbar vertebrae and proximal femur.\udResults: Participants were mainly from the following four occupational groups; accumulator manufacturers (n=30, 21.4%), painting workers\ud(n=30, 21.4%), welders (n=15, 10.7%), and quartz miners (n=25, 17.9%) sectors. In addition, there were 40 healthy subjects (28.6%).\udCompared with the control group, femoral neck T-scores (p=0.023) and Z-scores (p=0.031) were significantly lower in miners. L2-L4 BMD\udvalues were significantly lower in accumulator manufacturers (p=0.041) and quartz miners (p=0.022) as compared with the control group.\udConclusion: Workers in the accumulator and mining sectors had lower BMD than control subjects. Clinicians should keep in mind\udoccupational risk factors related with chemical exposure for osteoporosis while questioning osteoporosis risk factors. (Turkish Journal of\udOsteoporosis 2015;21: 19-22