Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone mass and disruption of bone architecture,
resulting in increased bone fragility and increased fracture risk. 1 These fractures are a
major health problem in the elderly population, leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and
cost to health care services. One in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 years
will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis during their remaining lifetime. 2 Demographic
changes over the next few decades will result in at least a doubling in the number of these …