While most studies of osteoporosis have focused on postmenopausal women, older men are also at increased risk of fragility fractures. Among men aged 50 years, the estimated lifetime risk of hip, spine or distal forearm fracture is 13%. While women have an approximately 40% lifetime risk of fracture, men account for about 30% of all hip fractures. Since advancing age is the main determinant of fragility fractures in the elderly, it is expected that with the continued aging of the population, the number of men with low BMD and osteoporosis will rise dramatically in the coming decades.

Table: Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass in Men Aged > 50