Abstract:

Two points worth noting about osteoporosis in India - high incidence among men and lower age of peak incidence compared to Western countries. 1 out of 8 males and 1 out of 3 females in India suffers from osteoporosis. The incidence of hip fracture is 1 woman to 1 man. In Western countries, the peak incidence of osteoporosis occurs at 70-80 years of age, in India it afflicts at age 50-60. But there is a worrying trend of increasing prevalence of osteoporosis among the younger men in India that has been under studied. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care centre. With informed consent, male subjects were evaluated clinically including anthropometry and history, biochemically with 25-OH Vitamin D and radiologically with DEXA scan. Calculation of T score and categorization as osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal BMD was done as per WHO classification and data was analyzed. The male population having decreased bone mass was more than expected. Osteoporosis and osteopenia are prevalent in younger male population too contrary to the popular belief. A significantly large proportion of south Indian men had osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency. Further interventional studies are needed to look at reduction in end points like fractures and morbidity in these subjects.

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