Osteoporosis in men

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Endocrinology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Osteoporosis in men leads to significant morbidity and mortality, with hip fractures carrying a higher mortality rate compared to women.
• Secondary causes of osteoporosis are prevalent in men and require exclusion.
• Accurate fracture risk assessment is essential for guiding anti-osteoporotic therapy selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence on osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment in men.
• To highlight the importance of early recognition and intervention for male osteoporosis.
• To discuss the role of family physicians in managing osteoporosis in men.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies on bisphosphonate therapy, teriparatide, denosumab, and strontium ranelate in men with osteoporosis.
• Analysis of effects on bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers, and fracture reduction.
• Evaluation of data on mortality reduction associated with osteoporosis treatment.

Main Results:

• Bisphosphonates and teriparatide have shown reductions in vertebral fractures in men.
• Intravenous zoledronic acid reduced fractures and mortality in elderly men and women post-hip fracture.
• Denosumab and strontium ranelate demonstrated increases in BMD and reductions in bone turnover markers.

Conclusions:

• Effective, evidence-based anti-osteoporosis treatments are available for men.
• Increased awareness among family physicians and patients is needed for timely diagnosis and treatment initiation.
• Addressing male osteoporosis is critical to reduce associated morbidity and mortality.