[The performance evaluation of patients with osteoporosis].

Osteoporosis causes fractures of bones and thus disabilities. Patients with osteoporosis experience limitations in daily life and profession life. Rating of the disease is a prerequisite of judging the capability to work and keep on professional life. Osteoporosis is defined by a reduction of bone mineral density which is more than -2.5 standard deviations below mean peak bone mass. Severe or advanced osteoporosis is characterized by the occurrence of first atraumatic fractures. Expert advice has to consider that certain professions may cause deterioration of the disease and the disease itself may be incompatible with professional life.