Osteoporosis in Men

Abstract

In 1990, about 30% of the 1.7 million hip fractures worldwide occurred in men. The age specific incidence of hip fractures is increasing. By the year 2025 the number of hip fractures in men will be similar to the numbers seen in women now and will be compounded by the greater numbers seen in women (Figure 22.1). The morbidity and mortality of hip fractures is three times higher in men than women. The prevalence of spine fractures is similar in men and women, around 10–20% of persons over 65 years of age. Whether the fractures are the result of trauma in youth or underlying bone fragility is uncertain. In men, the incidence of forearm fractures is low and remains so throughout old age.