Accuracy of comparing bone quality to chocolate bars for patient information purposes: Observational study

Abstract

Objective: To test whether standard information for patients using Crunchie and Aero chocolate bars to explain bone health and risk of fracture is robust. 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.