[Difference in osteoporosis in men and women]

Burden of osteoporosis in men on our society is increasing with aging in population. Prevalence of osteoporosis and incidence of osteoporotic fracture are less frequent in men than in women since bone mineral density is higher, bone size is greater, and hence the bone is stronger in men than in women. In spite of these facts, the number of male patients with osteoporosis was projected to be 3 million in 2005 and is increasing thereafter. Hip fracture was estimated to occur in 33,100 men in 2007 and is increasing as well. Once a man suffers from hip fracture, prognosis is worse in men than in women. However, screening methods for osteoporosis in men are not established, and this causes delay in diagnosis and treatment. Further studies are necessary to answer whether the current young adult value of bone density necessary for diagnosis is appropriate, whether therapeutic regimens are effective in men, whether the cost for diagnosis and treatment is comparable to benefit, whether a valid screening method for osteoporosis in men exists, and whether the screening method is cost-effective.