[European Study of Vertebral Osteoporosis (EVOS): design and implementation in 8 German study centers].

BACKGROUND

The European Vertebral Osteoporosis Study (EVOS), a multinational multicenter cross sectional study, was aimed to determine the prevalence of vertebral deformities, their risk factors and health impact.

METHODS

Between 1991 and 1993 4487 men and women aged 50 to 79 years were examined in 8 German study centres. Health impact, back pain and functional capacity were assessed in postal questionnaires. In medical interviews data was also collected on putative risk factors for osteoporosis including details on personal and medical history, drug use, diet, smoking, alcohol, exercise and gynaecological characteristics. Four thousand one hundred and twenty-two persons underwent a lateral X-ray examination of the thoracical and lumbar spine, representing a quarter of the 16,000 European participants.