The epidemiology of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem. National incidence and mortality rates for osteoporosis cannot be determined because data are unavailable. Epidemiology, one of the means by which this condition may be studied, and osteoporosis are defined, and the importance of primary and secondary prevention is discussed. Primary osteoporosis has four clinical forms: postmenopausal, senile, juvenile, and idiopathic; these are differentiated from other forms of bone disease. Predisposing factors and attendant morbidity are discussed with specific reference to problems associated with skeletal fractures. Age, sex, race, nutrition, body build and life style are identified as important variables. The importance of preventive measures is stressed because of the estimated incidence of 160,000 osteoporotic associated hip fractures with their attendant cost to society of more than one billion dollars per year. Preventive treatments studied to date are outlined. Emphasis is placed on the importance of primary and secondary prevention rather than tertiary care.