Disciplines

Page 1 of 3

Home Comments/Feedback ? Find

Missions

CC Areas

Disciplines

Risks

R & T Questions

Tasks

Deliverables

Processes

Search

Links

Help

Current Selection Filters

Crosscutting Area(s)

Human Health and Countermeasures

Discipline(s)

Bone Loss
Mission Type(s)
All

Risk Rating

All
Clear All Filters Get All Risks in PDF

4 Risks found.
1 Accelerated Bone Loss and Fracture Risk 2 Impaired Fracture Healing 3 Injury to Joints and Intervertebral Structures 4 Renal Stone Formation

http://bioastroroadmap.nasa.gov/User/discipline.jsp?filterDisciplines=1

6/8/2006

Disciplines

Page 2 of 3

Bone Loss
Bones of the legs, pelvis and spine are subject to decreased stress in weightlessness, leading to the release of calcium, leaving the bone more brittle and weak. Risks include: acceleration of age-related osteoporosis; fracture and impaired fracture healing; injury to soft connective tissue and joint cartilage, and intervertebral disc rupture; and renal stone formation. It is unknown whether these changes continue unabated, nor whether they can be totally reversed. Countermeasure research and technology efforts focus on diagnostic tools to monitor and measure critical parameters, including the cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone loss. Prevention and rehabilitation involves pharmacological, exercise and nutritional regimens, artificial gravity options, and crew screening and selection criteria to identify "at risk" individuals.

http://bioastroroadmap.nasa.gov/User/discipline.jsp?filterDisciplines=1

6/8/2006

Disciplines

Page 3 of 3

Website : Rich Laws Content Management : John B Charles Responsible NASA Official: John B. Charles Comments/Feedback? Web Accessibility and Policy Notices | NASA | JSC | SLSD Last Updated : Feb. 9, 2005

http://bioastroroadmap.nasa.gov/User/discipline.jsp?filterDisciplines=1

6/8/2006