Bone-breaking News
A number of lectures, given by C. Glüer (D), M. Friedrich (A), J.A. Kanis (UK), E. Lau (RC) and E. Orwoll (USA) dealt with concepts preventing and treating male osteoporosis. While men have a 13 % risk of osteoporotic fractures (1/3 compared to women), gender-specific factors are often responsible for enhanced fracture-risk. Hypogonadism is a relevant risk factor and secondary causes for osteoporosis may be more common than in women. However, the lesser lifespan of men in comparison to women as well as the fact that male skeletons adapt better to ageing than female ones, must be taken into consideration when assessing the problem.
"Osteoporosis in men is a neglected health problem", said Prof. Lau, because the incidence of fractures is actually higher in men than in women, as studies show. Also, for any country with a large ageing popu-lation, osteoporosis in men will be a major health problem, so strategies for both primary and secondary prevention are needed badly, Prof. Lau concluded. Counter-strategies include a healthy lifestyle and adequate nutrition, but also the avoidance of alcohol and nicotine. Also, testo-sterone can be useful for reducing bone loss and enhancing bone mass. However, some research on the use of testosterone in the fight of osteoporosis is still needed to draw pertinent conclusions.