[Osteoporosis: the epidemiologic and health economics perspective]

Epidemiology of osteoporosis reveals some specific properties with considerable consequences on economic and social aspects, which are discussed briefly. Large parts of an aging population are under risk of developing osteoporosis with consecutive morbidity and mortality. The epidemiological consequences and economic burden will increase during the next 20 years due to demographic changes. Proximal femoral fractures are most important causing relevant mortality and, if survived, regularly relevant functional loss. Due to the increasing importance of osteoporosis, efficient age-adapted strategies in diagnosis and therapy need to be developed.