[Osteoporosis as a cause of pathologic fracture].

Estrogen deficiency causes loss of trabecular bone, leading to fractures of the spine. One-third of all postmenopausal females suffers from type I osteoporosis, which is characterized by chronic pain, hump and height reduction. Fluorides, calcium plus vitamin D3 are effectively treat of the disease if given over 3-4 years. Calcitonin blocks pain episodes in more than 50% of the patients. Calcium deficiency and reduced mobility together with unknown reasons cause type II osteoporosis, which also affects males. Fifty thousand hip fractures occur annually in the Federal Republic of Germany and require additional surgical therapy.