Abstract

GONZALEZ, Luis Alonso; VASQUEZ, Gloria María  and  MOLINA, José Fernando. Epidemiology of osteoporosis. Rev.Colomb.Reumatol. [online]. 2009, vol.16, n.1, pp.61-75. ISSN 0121-8123.

Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. All osteoporotic fractures increase patient morbidity; however, fractures of the hip and vertebrae are also associated with important mortality. These fragility fractures have a considerable burden to health care system and a huge economic impact. Understanding the epidemiology of this disease is therefore necessary in trying to develop strategies to help reduce this load.

Keywords : epidemiology; bone mineral density; osteoporosis.

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