[Clinical aspects of osteoporosis]

The development of osteoporosis is a multifactorial process. Part of contributing factors are not to be influenced, others may be avoided or prevented. The achievement of an optimal peak bone mass as well as its maintenance require sufficient sex hormones in connection with optimal calcium supply with the nourishment and sufficient physical exercise. During the preclinical phase of osteoporosis only the analysis of risk factors is possible. There are no clinical symptoms of the condition itself. Manifestation of osteoporosis is documented by crush fractures or discontinuing fractures. In osteoporosis type I the vertebral column is involved. Back pains and loss of body height are the consequences leading to diminished quality of life. The pain syndrome is unspecific and may be caused by other diseases, too. In osteoporosis type II in addition peripheral fractures at disposed sites show up (neck of femur, distal radius = Colle's fracture). During aging the diminished bone mass presumably becomes less decisive for the fracture risk whereas the significance of impaired eye sight, loss of hearing, delayed reflexes and diminished muscle strength increases. For evaluating clinics of osteoporosis systems for grading are mandatory.