BMJ 2007;335:1285-1287 (22 December), doi:10.1136/bmj.39413.798472.BE
Mixed messages
Accuracy of comparing bone quality to chocolate bars for patient information purposes: observational study
Phil Jones, consultant physician1, Sarah Jones, research nurse1, Debbie Stone, osteoporosis specialist nurse1
1 Bronglais General Hospital, Aberystwyth SY23 1ER
Correspondence to: P Jones phil.jones{at}ceredigion-tr.wales.nhs.uk
Design Observational study.
Setting Domestic kitchen in rural west Wales.
Participants 10 Crunchie bars and 10 Aero bars.
Main outcome measure Fracture after falls from varying heights.
Results Both Crunchie and Aero bars exhibited the same T and Z scores for bone density. Crunchie bars had a lower chocolate mass index than the Aero bars. Crunchie bars are more liable to fracture.
Conclusions Using Crunchie and Aero chocolate bars to explain bone structure to patients may be visually attractive but oversimplifies the situation.
Rapid Responses:
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- Breadsticks are a worthy study model as well
- Karl A Grindulis
bmj.com, 21 Dec 2007 [Full text] - poor camparisons
- R. A. Evans
bmj.com, 22 Dec 2007 [Full text] - Accuracy of T score determination for Choc Bars
- John J. Brand
bmj.com, 22 Dec 2007 [Full text] - How old was your chocolate?
- Susan M Ott
bmj.com, 30 Dec 2007 [Full text] - A fallen engineer writes...
- John Shaw
bmj.com, 9 Jan 2008 [Full text]
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