Objective: The aim of this study was to assess possible associations between potential risk factors for fractures and their occurrence in otherwise healthy Greek male adolescents.
Subjects: A total of 63 male adolescents participated in the study, 21 males with a history of at least one fracture and 42 healthy male controls.
Methods: Each participant was assessed for physical and pubertal status, hormonal profile, bone mineral density, bone turnover indices, and dietary habits.
Results: The lower bone mineral density-z scores and increasing testosterone and serum collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide levels were related to fracture risk, whereas increased insulin-like growth factor-1, soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (factor-κB) ligand, and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factors-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin levels were protective for fractures.
Conclusions: The findings indicate a potential 'added value' of hormonal parameters and bone markers to bone mineral density for evaluating fracture risk in healthy male adolescents.