[Epidemiologic aspects of osteoporosis and fractures in advanced age]

The most important word-wide and home trends of osteoporosis and age-related fractures are reviewed. The author summarizes the relationship between fractures and bone mass, the bone mass determinants and the risk factors for osteoporosis. He describes the secular trends, age- and sex specific incidence as well as geographic distribution of fractures of the proximal femur, vertebrae and distal forearm. Finally the social and financial impact of this major public health problem are discussed.