EPIDEMIOLOGY
Due to its prevalence worldwide, osteoporosis is considered a serious public health concern. Currently it is estimated that over 200 million people worldwide suffer from this disease1. Approximately 30% of all postmenopausal women have osteoporosis in the United States and in Europe. At least 40% of these women2 and 15-30% of men3 will sustain one or more fragility fractures in their remaining lifetime. Ageing of populations worldwide will be responsible for a major increase in the incidence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women4.
It has been shown that an initial fracture is a major risk factor for a new fracture. An increased risk of 86% for any fracture has been demonstrated in people that have already sustained a fracture5. Likewise, patients with a history of vertebral fracture have a 2.3-fold increased risk of future hip fracture and a 1.4-fold increase in risk of distal forearm fracture6.
cohort from France, and two cohorts from Gothenburg (Sweden). The
cohort participants had a baseline assessment documenting clinical risk
factors for fracture. Approximately 75% also had BMD measured at the hip.
The follow-up was approximately 250 000 patient–years in 60 000 men and
women during which more than 5000 fractures were recorded.