The epidemiology of osteoporosis and fractures in geriatric medicine

Osteoporosis is widespread and is associated with risk of fragility fractures, the most typical of which occur at the hip, spine, and wrist. The prevalence of osteoporosis increases with age in men and women, and current demographic trends show, through the next several decades, a greatly increasing number of persons at risk. By 2050, the annual incidence of hip fracture in the United States is projected to triple. Many risk factors for low bone mass and fracture have been identified and afford opportunities for intervention before fracture occurs. Because most previous research has focused on Caucasian women, the information specific to women of other racial and ethnic groups and to men is limited; however, existing information appears to confirm the importance of known risk factors in these groups.