90-plus-day spaceflights linked to higher rates of hip fractures in astronauts

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that astronauts who had spaceflights lasting more than 90 days had a higher rate of hip fractures compared to those with shorter flights or non-astronauts. The research, led by Jean D. Sibonga, Ph.D., at NASA's Johnson Space Center, suggests that prolonged spaceflight may contribute to skeletal fragility. The study analyzed data from U.S.-based astronauts and found that hip fractures occurred at an earlier age than expected in non-astronauts, indicating potential long-term bone health risks.

The study surveyed astronauts about all fractures reported during annual clinical exams and used Bayesian probabilistic modeling to analyze the data. It found that astronauts who had spaceflights longer than 90 days had a higher rate of hip fractures, compared to those with shorter flights or no spaceflight exposure. The findings highlight the need for better assessment of astronauts' long-term skeletal health, especially as NASA plans missions lasting more than six months in space.

The study emphasizes the importance of understanding bone loss caused by microgravity and how it may lead to long-term skeletal fragility. It recommends expanding NASA's bone surveillance program to include more detailed scans, such as quantitative computed tomography, to better evaluate astronauts' recovery and bone health. The findings suggest that astronauts may be at increased risk of hip fractures after long-duration spaceflights, and that preventive measures could help mitigate these risks.

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