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Perspective. How many women have osteoporosis?
L J Melton1, E A Chrischilles, C Cooper
1Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN.
Summary
Osteoporosis affects 45% of white women over 50, increasing fracture risk. Addressing this major public health concern requires effective control programs to reduce associated costs.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a significant public health issue with uncertain prevalence due to varying definitions.
- Low bone mass (osteopenia) and established osteoporosis are linked to heightened fracture risk.
- Fractures pose a substantial health burden, particularly in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of osteopenia using bone mineral density measurements.
- To assess the lifetime risk of fractures in older adults.
- To highlight the need for osteoporosis control programs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized population-based data from Rochester, Minnesota.
- Defined osteopenia as bone mineral measurements more than 2 standard deviations below the mean of young normal women.
- Assessed prevalence at multiple skeletal sites: hip, spine, and forearm.
Main Results:
- 45% of white women aged 50+ had osteopenia at one or more hip, spine, or forearm sites.
- Prevalence varied by site: 32% in the lumbar spine, 29% in the proximal femur, and 26% in the midradius.
- Lifetime fracture risk from age 50 onward is nearly 40% for white women and 13% for white men.
Conclusions:
- Osteopenia is highly prevalent in postmenopausal white women, indicating a significant public health concern.
- Low bone mass is strongly associated with increased fracture risk, leading to substantial health and economic costs.
- Implementing effective osteoporosis control programs is crucial to mitigate the impact of fractures.