Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 March 2004
Over the last decades of the twentieth century survival after stroke has increased considerably, with the greatest effect being in patients over 75 years. As a result, stroke is now affecting tissues and organs previously regarded as being of little relevance. The skeleton is one body system that in the longer term is affected by stroke, with fracture now becoming a significant complication. Bone loss can now readily be measured, and therapies that may be able to prevent bone loss and fracture are available for clinical trial. This review examines the direct and indirect factors that influence the relationship between fracture and stroke.