[Multifactorial pathogenesis of osteoporosis and its classification]

Since international definition and diagnosis of osteoporosis have been established, it is much easier to manage this bone disease than it was. However, its pathophysiology of individual patients is multifactorial and differs in gender and calcium regulating hormones, rate of bone loss, and bone turnover etc. in the process of developing osteoporosis. It is not always easy to definitely stratify individuals with primary osteoporosis into types of pathophysiology proposed by Riggs and his colleagues. It is, therefore, of importance to recognize pathophysiology of osteoporosis by assessing bone and calcium metabolism, rate of bone loss and so on for management and beneficial intervention of individual patients with osteoporosis.