The epidemiology of osteoporosis and fractures in geriatric medicine.

Several conclusions can be drawn from this article, the most important of which are as follows: 1. Low bone mass is widely prevalent among older men and women and is associated with important fracture consequences. 2. The prevalence of osteoporosis and fracture is projected to increase over the next several decades. 3. Although Caucasian women are at greatest risk, substantial numbers of men and women of non-Caucasian heritage are also affected. 4. The population burden of disease consequences, including mortality, morbidity, and social and personal cost, is anticipated to increase as well. 5. In the group at greatest risk (Caucasian women), osteoporosis and fracture have well-established risk factors, many of which are modifiable. 6. Relevance of these risk factors for groups other than Caucasian women appears likely but requires further investigation. 7. Personal and societal costs associated with osteoporosis are enormous; as such, identification of persons at risk and prevention and treatment of this disease should be public health priorities.