Abstract Osteoporosis is a significant threat to aging bone in men. Thirty percent of hip fractures occur in men; during initial hospitalization and the first year after fracture, the mortality rate is twice that of women. Nevertheless, osteoporosis in men is grossly underdiagnosed and undertreated. The most frequent factors associated with osteoporosis in men are age >75 years, low baseline body mass index (<24 kg/m2), weight loss >5% over 4 years, current smoking, and physical inactivity. Osteoporosis in men is either secondary to a primary disease or is idiopathic. It exhibits a bimodal age distribution, with peaks at age 50 years (secondary disease) and at age 70 years (idiopathic). Prevention and early detection currently are the best forms of management. Alone or in combination, calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates, and human parathyroid hormone are all effective management options. In the acute setting of fragility fracture, the orthopaedic surgeon is key in identifying patients at risk because the surgeon provides primary care and may initiate prophylactic measures to prevent future fractures.

Abstract Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and greater susceptibility to atraumatic fracture. Today, osteoporosis is the most prevalent metabolic bone disorder among developed countries. Osteoporosis ranks among the most significant health problems in the elderly, affecting more than 25 million Americans and contributing to more than 1.5 million fractures each year. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (2002) has estimated that roughly 10 million Americans over the age of 50 already have the disease. An additional 34 million are estimated to have osteopenia (low bone mass) of the hip, putting them at risk for osteoporosis, fractures, and associated complications later in life. This article reviews the clinical presentation and management options available in osteoporosis.