ABSTRACT
The prevalence of osteoporosis-related fractures is predicted to increase from about 10 million to greater than 14 million by 2020 [1]. The prevalence of osteoporosis is greater among women than men, and women comprise the majority of hip and wrist fractures associated with osteoporosis [1]. As estimated for 2005, women 65 years and older account for nearly 74% of all fractures, while men 65 years or older account for 61% [1]. The majority of fractures occur in Caucasian women, with a smaller percentage of these fractures estimated for African Americans and Hispanics. However, women of all ethnicities are considered at risk for developing osteoporosis. After 50 years old, 10% of Hispanic women, 5% of non-Hispanic black women, and 20% of non-Hispanic white and Asian women are estimated to have osteoporosis [2]. Approximately 50% of women in these ethnicities are estimated to have low bone mass [2]. These £gures highlight the importance of taking proper preventive measures, including timely screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis, obtaining accurate patient histories, and examining and discussing risk factors associated with its development.
