Ostéosarcopénie : vers la synthèse de deux entités ?

Osteosarcopenia is defined by the association of sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Possibly, but not necessarily, those two conditions interact biologically, because of the anatomic link between muscle and bone, through mechanical loading, cytokines and hormones. Prevalence increases with age, and might represent 5–10 % of individuals aged 80 and over. Osteosarcopenia is a risk factor for falls, fracture ans is associated with impaired functional capacity and all cause mortality. The clinical geriatric evaluation must be exhaustive and explorations must include the measurement of bone mineral density, establishing diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia and look for secondary causes, such as other chronic diseases, malnutrition, low physical activity and iatrogeny. The treatment includes resistance training, improvement of nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D), improved protein intake and medications for osteoporosis.