Osteoporosis in patients with rheumatic diseases.

Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders are common causes of disability in the United States. Osteoporosis is the major nonarthritic musculoskeletal condition affecting postmenopausal women. An increased incidence of osteoporosis is seen in some rheumatic diseases resulting in a potential increase in risk of fracture. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathies appear to have decreased bone mineral density whereas patients with osteoarthritis of the hip have increased bone mineral density. In this article studies of bone mass and related fractures in patients with rheumatic disorders are reviewed.