ABSTRACT
Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent diseases of aging. For Caucasians, the lifetime risk of an osteoporotic fracture at 50 years of age has been estimated to be approximately 40% for women and 13% for men1. Each year more than 1.5 million people suffer hip, vertebral and wrist fractures due to osteoporosis, a disease that can be prevented and treated. In European Community (EC) member states, the high incidence of osteoporotic fractures leads to considerable mortality, morbidity, reduced mobility and decreased quality of life. Actually, the annual number of hip fractures in 15 countries of the EC has been estimated to be 500 000, with a total care cost of about e4.8 billion per year2. Given the magnitude of the problem, public-health measures are important for preventive intervention. This burden will increase in absolute terms because of the aging of the population.
