Various Bone Disorders Affecting the Medically Underserved South Texas Region

Bone disorders can have a devastating impact on an individual's quality of life. The main objective of our study was to analyze various demographic disparities between various bone disorders in the demographically unique Rio Grande Valley region. We hypothesized that osteoporosis would be the most prevalent condition and that the demographics between the various conditions would vary depending on age, sex, BMI, and ethnicity but not on marital status. This was a retrospective chart review using the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley UTHealth electronic database from January 1, 2017, to January 1, 2024. Any relevant individuals seen at a UTRGV affiliated institution were included. We analyzed medical charts, via ICD-10 codes, of individuals who were diagnosed with osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, Paget bone disease, and osteonecrosis. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. Hispanic ethnicity showed a decreased risk of bone disorder (estimate = -0.2814), bordering on significance (<i>p</i>=0.053). Female participants had significantly higher odds of bone disorder (estimate = 0.7861, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Obese individuals (estimate = -0.7837, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and overweight individuals had lower odds (estimate = -0.3328, <i>p</i>=0.047) of bone disorder. Underweight individuals showed higher odds of bone disorder (estimate = 0.9605, <i>p</i>=0.002). The odds of bone disorder increased with age (estimate = 0.0581, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Our results increase the knowledge of orthopedics in this region, and specifically, the bone disorders are discussed. The results may also allow physicians to better identify at-risk individuals in this community and others alike to improve the management of bone disorders. This study warrants further research on at-risk demographics to further improve the orthopedic knowledge and care of medically underserved individuals.