Calcium2026-07

[Osteoporosis-a plea for consistent diagnosis and treatment-also in men : Contra paradox: high prevalence rate, low treatment rate].

Thomasius Friederike, Bühring Björn — Innere Medizin (Heidelberg, Germany)

Summary

Osteoporosis is a common bone-weakening disease affecting millions of people, including both women and men, and its incidence of fractures is rising, especially among older adults. This paper highlights that despite its prevalence, many individuals, particularly men, are not consistently diagnosed or treated. It advocates for better adherence to updated guidelines to ensure effective management and prevent debilitating fractures.

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Key points

Osteoporosis is a widespread bone disease affecting both women and men, leading to increased fracture risk.
Despite its high prevalence, many people, especially men, do not receive consistent diagnosis or treatment for osteoporosis.
Updated medical guidelines exist to standardize and simplify the management of this condition.
Consistent and early treatment is crucial to prevent serious fractures, particularly in an aging population.

What the study looked at

This paper addresses the significant public health challenge of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases fracture risk, affecting millions of people. It highlights a critical gap: despite the disease's high prevalence, many individuals, particularly men, are not receiving adequate or consistent diagnosis and treatment. The authors also aim to clarify that current medical guidelines for osteoporosis are practical and standardized, contrary to perceptions of complexity. This article is a commentary and a call to action, rather than a traditional research study with participants. It reviews the current state of osteoporosis care in Germany, referencing updated S3 guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. It discusses the increasing rates of fractures and the need for improved care structures to ensure reliable management of patients, especially after an initial osteoporotic fracture. What the authors found is that osteoporosis is a major health issue with rising fracture rates, yet it remains frequently undertreated, particularly in men. They emphasize that updated, evidence-based guidelines are available and practical for standardized diagnosis and treatment. The paper ultimately advocates for more consistent and comprehensive care for all affected individuals to prevent debilitating fractures and improve quality of life.

Dietary takeaway

To support strong bones and help prevent osteoporosis, it's important to ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D through your diet and, if necessary, supplements. This paper reminds us that consistent attention to bone health, including proper diagnosis and treatment when needed, is vital for everyone, especially as we age. Remember that this is one commentary, and while it highlights important issues, individual dietary and medical decisions should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Abstract

Osteoporosis affects approximately 6 million people in Germany, both women and men, making it one of the most significant common diseases. Fractures as a typical manifestation of the condition increase with advancing age-a fact that carries particular weight in an increasingly ageing society. In 2019, at least 20% more femoral neck fractures and pertrochanteric fractures were recorded compared to 2009. Evidence-based diagnostics and therapy are therefore indispensable for which S3 guideline recommendations (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften [AWMF] 183-001) have been formulated and were updated in September 2023. Diagnosis is based on fracture risk, and while various treatment approaches are available, adequate care structures that ensure reliable management of patients are lacking in many places-particularly in the aftermath of an osteoporotic fracture. This article aims to address the criticism that the current osteoporosis guideline is too complex. In fact, diagnosing and treating fracture risk is now highly standardized and easily put into practice. A second aspect is the neglect of the topic of osteoporosis in men.

View on PubMed →DOI: 10.1007/s00108-026-02137-x