Osteoporosis in Korea

The increasing occurrence and high cost of osteoporosis pose an enormous public health problem. With continued aging of the populations, osteoporotic fractures may reach one of the major problem in Korea as well as in Asian countries. Although the prevalence of osteoporosis in Korea is somewhat not consistent because of different areas and machines measured bone mass, occurrence of hip fractures have increased about 4 folds during past 10 years. There is no satisfactory way to build up lost bone, thus, prevention is the best way which includes adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, exercise, and stop smoking. As a second approach, pharmacologic therapy may be emphasized. Since most of pharmacologic agents for osteoporosis are available in Korea though their reimbursements are limited, preventive measures and pharmacologic therapies should be encouraged to attempt to reduce fragility fractures. Many doctors who work in the field of bone metabolism are establishing the new guidelines for osteoporosis and also attempt to revise the criteria for reimbursement nowadays. New paradigm for osteoporosis will be come and be utilized for clinical applications in the near future.