[Epidemiology--risk factors and preventive strategy]

Many factors, including age, sex, menopause, genetic makeup, calcium intake, and physical exercise, influence the development of osteoporosis. Bone density is a major risk factor for fracture at spine and hip. However, risk of hip fracture is affected by factors not limited to bone strength, for example, factors related to falling. These risk factors can be classified as those that are controllable and those that are not. Although one has uncontrollable risk factors, the risk of hip fracture can be decreased by reducing the controllable risk factors. To prevent osteoporosis and fracture, it is necessary to be familiar with an individual's risk factors and offer guidance to reduce the controllable risks. Maintaining or increasing bone mass are essential for those with uncontrollable factors.