[The epidemiology of osteoporosis]

In this paper risk factors and distinctive criteria between Typ I and Typ II osteoporosis are reviewed. In addition, data about fracture incidence and bone mineral content in different populations are presented. Lifetime risk for fractures is estimated and compared with that of other common diseases. It is concluded, that further improvement of bone mass measurement is necessary to identify women at risk for osteoporosis in order to initiate appropriate treatment and avoid fractures.