The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis and vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. We studied 627 women, aged 50 years and over in reference centers (mean age 63.9±8.3 years, 16.2 ± 8.6 mean years since menopause, and mean body mass index 26.6 ± 4.3 Kg/m2). The prevalence of osteoporosis was 28.8% for lumbar spine and 18.8% for femoral neck. The prevalence was higher in patients who had had a fracture during youth. In the 60-69 year-old group, 32.2% had lumbar spine osteoporosis and 17.4% femoral neck osteoporosis. In the 70-79 year-old group, 38.2% had lumbar spine osteoporosis and 34% femoral neck osteoporosis. In the 80 years and over age group, 54.5% had lumbar spine osteoporosis and 72.7% femoral neck osteoporosis. Thirty-seven percent had vertebral fractures and most of them were asymptomatic. Nine percent had grade I fractures, and 10.9% had grade III. Considering the various age groups, the prevalence of osteoporosis was 20% between 50 and 59 years, 25.6% between 60 and 69 years, 58.3% between 70 and 79 years, and 81.8% between 80 and 89 years. In postmenopausal women, we found a high prevalence of osteoporosis, as well as asymptomatic vertebral fractures.
Osteoporosis; Vertebral fractures; Menopause; Bone densitometry
