Rheumatology 2000; 39: 1055-1057
© 2000 British Society for Rheumatology
Editorials |
Male osteoporosis
University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Musculoskeletal Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK.
| The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below. |
Osteoporosis is characterized by a reduction in bone density, associated with skeletal fragility and an increased risk of fracture after minimal trauma. Although osteoporosis is widely considered to be a condition predominantly affecting women, up to 20% of symptomatic vertebral fractures and 30% of hip fractures occur in men [1]. The number of men presenting with these fractures is rising, because of increasing life expectancy and a doubling of the age-specific incidence of fractures over the past three decades.
Osteoporotic fractures are associated with substantial morbidity in both men and women. There is considerable disability after hip fracture in men; only 21% are living independently in the community a year later, whereas 26% are receiving home care and 53% are living in an institution [2]. Men with symptomatic vertebral fractures commonly complain of back pain, loss of height and kyphosis, but also have significantly less energy,