Preventing male osteoporosis: prevalence, risks, diagnosis and imaging tests

Abstract

There is no universal definition of an osteoporotic fracture. Fractures of the vertebra, hip, and forearm generally are considered osteoporotic fractures. There is an increasing recognition, however, that osteoporosis can lead to fractures at other anatomic sites, including the ribs, humerus, tibia, pelvis, and femur. Excluding these types of fractures could underestimate the total cost and impact of osteoporosis. There are a variety of risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture, but several methods can quantify a patient's risk, and these tools are valuable in guiding clinicians in effective intervention. The author hopes this brief review provides clinicians with an introduction and overview of osteoporosis and its risk factors, screening methods, and procedures. The field of urology is constantly evolving, with a growing need for clinicians to become more knowledgeable about preventive medicine. This and other articles should provide a good foundation for clinicians to alter the increasing prevalence of a medical condition that is one of the most preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in men.