[Definition and diagnostic criteria of osteoporosis in Japan].

The concept of osteoporosis was introduced in Japan after the World War II and become a major medical problem with rising social and economic consequence according to increasing population of old peoples. Osteoporosis is defined as " a disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk". In Japan a diagnostic criteria was drafted for clinical practice in 1996 by Japanese Society of Bone and Mineral Research.