Osteoporosis and men. Don't forget the blokes.
BACKGROUND
There is a clear analogy between osteoporosis and hypertension. After all, the fractures associated with osteoporosis can be as disastrous as a cardiovascular event associated with hypertension and both fractures and cardiovascular events, can be greatly reduced by modern treatment. However, osteoporosis is still relatively underdiagnosed, especially in men where it may not be considered an important aspect of men's health.


OBJECTIVE
This case study may trigger readers to look for osteoporosis in men at risk and to use the available medications and interventions to preserve bone and avoid falls in such men, thus reducing fractures and associated disability and pain.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture are known and easily identified and measurement of bone mineral density quantifies bone loss and fracture risk. There are well established strategies to protect bone, to prevent fractures and to maintain comfort. Osteoporosis is already a major public health problem in Australia and will become more important as the proportion of old and the 'old old' increase over the next two decades. Osteoporosis is recognised as an important component of the health of older women and should not be forgotten in older men.
Phillips
P
P
Endocrinology Unit, North West Adelaide Health Service, South Australia.
Leow
S
S
D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D015519:Bone Density; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors