Epidemiological, Observational, Multicenter Clinical Trial

According to the findings of epidemiological studies in different countries, osteoporosis affects 25-35% of women and 15-20% of men aged 50 and over. In terms of our country in the recent nation-epidemiological research on rheumatic diseases in the general adult population, ie persons aged 19 and over, organized and conducted by the Greek Institute of Rheumatology Research, became a separate study on frequency of osteoporosis in women aged 50 years and above. These women was measured BMD at the lumbar spine and at the upper end of the femur and found that 28.4% of Greek women aged 50 and over have osteoporosis. It is indeed very interesting finding in this study that women who have osteoporosis, the vast majority, ie about 75%, I do not know. This is of particular importance and highlights the need to educate and inform systematically the public, especially women regarding both the modern possibilities for early diagnosis of osteoporosis, and for the implementation of primary and secondary prevention.

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem for two reasons: First, because it is common, and secondly because it has significant impact on patients and their families, the health system and the national economy.

The main clinical manifestation of osteoporosis is fractures low energy, ie fractures occurring after mild degree injury, eg fall from a standing position. Approximately 40% of cases osteoporotic fractures on the vertebrae, 20% in the femoral neck, 20% to 20% radius and several other bones. While osteoporosis is generally regarded as a disease of women, however, as already mentioned above, osteoporosis affects and men. It has even been found that 30% of osteoporotic fractures of the femoral neck and 20% of osteoporotic vertebral fractures occur in men.

The risk of fractures of the hip, vertebrae and radius increases with advancing age in both women and men. It has even been estimated that the risk of osteoporotic fracture in women aged 50 and over is 40-50% and 15-20% in men.

The adverse effects of osteoporosis patients and their families, the health system and the national economy due to fractures. Indicative only some of these effects: