Epidemiology of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a "disease characterized by low bone mass and microar-chitectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk" (Consensus Development Conference. Diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of osteoporosis. Am J Med 1993;94:646-650). The disease and its associated fractures are major health problems in countries with aging populations. Hip fracture is the most serious of these, carrying a heavy burden of mortality, subsequent disability, and institutionalization in many instances. Vertebral fractures, which are quite common in elderly women, impose a heavy burden of morbidity. With the development of noninvasive methods for measuring bone density and the increasing availability of effective pharmacologic interventions, it is now possible to treat osteoporosis and prevent fracture, Epidemiologic and clinical research are yielding data concerning genetic and lifestyle factors that will be helpful in targeting preventive efforts.