[Male osteoporosis]

Abstract

Careful examination as well as biochemical and hormonal investigations should be performed in men suffering from vertebral crush fractures, in order to detect a destructive skeletal process (multiple myeloma, bone metastatic lesions, lympho and myeloproliferative disorders), a mineralization defect (osteomalacia) or a secondary osteoporosis: primary hyperparathyroidism, hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, renal hypercalciuria, alcoholism and tobacco smoking. The diagnosis of idiopathic osteoporosis should be made only after these causes have been excluded; the pathogenesis of the disease is unclear but risk factors have been identified: family history of osteoporosis, low dietary calcium intake, delayed puberty, ethanol use, tobacco smoking, inactive lifestyle and lean body build. Correction of risk factors, calcium supplementation, regular program of weight bearing physical activity, in some instances correction of testosterone deficiency may be of benefit to reduce bone loss. Severe osteopenia or osteoporosis may require sodium fluoride therapy.