The Role of Genetic Variants in Osteoporosis and Fracture Susceptibility: Implications for Precision Orthopedic Treatment

Abstract

This paper explores the growing role of genetic research in the field of orthopedics, with a particular focus on osteoporosis, a major public health challenge. We discuss the genetic basis of bone health, highlighting key genetic variants such as COL1A1, LRP5, and VDR, and their implications for bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture susceptibility. The paper also examines advances in genetic testing, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and the potential of genetic insights to personalize osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Additionally, we explore the integration of genetic data with environmental factors, such as diet and physical activity, and how this synergy can enhance clinical outcomes. Finally, we address current limitations in genetic research and testing, propose future directions for improving the applicability of genetic insights, and highlight emerging technologies like gene editing and regenerative orthopedics that promise to transform osteoporosis care.

Keywords: Osteoporosis, Genetic Variants, Bone Mineral Density (BMD), Precision Orthopedics, Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), Pharmacogenomics, Gene-Environmental Interactions