This first-ever Surgeon General's Report on bone health and osteoporosis illustrates the large burden that bone disease places on our Nation and its citizens. Like other chronic diseases that disproportionately affect the elderly, the prevalence of bone disease and fractures is projected to increase markedly as the population ages. If these predictions come true, bone disease and fractures will have a tremendous negative impact on the future well-being of Americans. But as this report makes clear, they need not come true: by working together we can change the picture of aging in America. Osteoporosis, fractures, and other chronic diseases no longer should be thought of as an inevitable part of growing old. By focusing on prevention and lifestyle changes, including physical activity and nutrition, as well as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, Americans can avoid much of the damaging impact of bone disease and other chronic diseases. This Surgeon General's Report brings together for the first time the scientific evidence related to the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of bone disease. More importantly, it provides a framework for moving forward. The report will be another effective tool in educating Americans about how they can promote bone health throughout their lives. This first-ever Surgeon General's Report on bone health and osteoporosis provides much needed information on bone health, an often overlooked aspect of physical health. This report follows in the tradition of previous Surgeon Generals' reports by identifying the relevant scientific data, rigorously evaluating and summarizing the evidence, and determining conclusions.

There are a number of therapies and treatments available for the prevention of fragility fractures in people thought to be at risk, or to prevent further fractures in those who have already had one or more fragility fractures. However, identifying who will benefit from preventative treatment is imprecise. A number of risk assessment tools are available to predict fracture incidence over a period of time, and these may be used to aid decision making. These tools are limited in that they may not include all risk factors, or may lack details of some risk factors. Tools are dependent on the accuracy of the epidemiological data used to derive them and tools validated in other populations may not apply to the UK. Two tools, FRAX and QFracture, are available for use in the UK. It is not clear whether these tools are equally accurate and whether choice of tool should depend on circumstances. This short clinical guideline aims to provide guidance on the selection and use of risk assessment tools in the care of people who may be at risk of fragility fractures in all settings in which NHS care is received.

Since the publication of the first edition, the U.S. Surgeon General released the first-ever report on bone health and osteoporosis in October 2004. This report focuses even more attention on the devastating impact osteoporosis has on millions of lives. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 2 million American men have osteoporosis, and another 12 million are at risk for this disease. Yet despite the large number of men affected, the lack of awareness by doctors and their patients puts men at a higher risk that the condition may go undiagnosed and untreated. It is estimated that one-fifth to one-third of all hip fractures occur in men. This second edition brings on board John Bilezikian and Dirk Vanderschueren as editors with Eric Orwoll. The table of contents is more than doubling with 58 planned chapters. The format is larger – 8.5 x 11. This edition of Osteoporosis in Men brings together even more eminent investigators and clinicians to interpret developments in this growing field, and describe state-of-the-art research as well as practical approaches to diagnosis, prevention and therapy. - Brings together more eminent investigators and clinicians to interpret developments in this growing field - Describes state-of-the-art research as well as practical approaches to diagnosis, prevention and therapy - There is no book on the market that covers osteoporosis in men as comprehensively as this book