Epidemiology of stone disease.

Epidemiology has improved our understanding and management of stone disease. Epidemiologic studies, by quantifying patterns and burden of disease, have helped identify risk factors, leading to changes in clinical practice and providing insights into pathophysiologic processes related to stone formation. Because nephrolithiasis is a complex disease, an understanding of the epidemiology, particularly the interactions among different factors, may help lead to approaches that reduce the risk of stone formation.