Male osteoporosis: deadly, but ignored.

Male osteoporosis is a relatively unknown condition for many physicians. Yet about 500,000 fractures happen in men every year. For comparison, prostate cancer is diagnosed in 200,000 men annually. Mortality rate during the first year of hip fracture is higher than 30%, and 50% of patients do not regain their previous mobility and independence. This review focuses on epidemiology, underling causes, diagnostic tools, and treatment of male osteoporosis and prevention of fractures.