Osteoporosis in the Japanese population.

The characteristic of osteoporosis in the Japanese population is different from that in the Caucasian population. The different incidence of vertebral and hip fracture may be related to both genetic and lifestyle factors. In the aspect of genetics, approximately 77% of the Japanese have the bb genotype of the vitamin D receptor gene, which is considered to be associated with higher bone mass and lower bone turnover than the Bb genotype. The incidence of vertebral fracture is significantly lower in the younger birth cohorts in both genders. However, the total number of hip fractures rapidly grows as the elderly population increases in Japan. It may be explained by some epidemiological studies that the traditional Japanese lifestyle may prevent hip fractures in the Japanese elderly. The knowledge of the differences of osteoporosis between Caucasian and Japanese people must contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis and its complications.