Canadian multicentre osteoporosis study (CaMos)

According to Statistics Canada there were more than 23,000 hip fractures in Canada in 1993 and the incidence continues to increase as the population ages. The annual direct cost of hip fracture is estimated to be at least $1 billion. Results from the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) show that the prevalence of osteoporosis in Canadian women >50 years is 15.6% and men of the same age is 6.6%. It was also found that the prevalence of vertebral deformity is more than 20% in both women and men. Hip fracture has long been recognised as a devastating consequence of osteoporosis and now it is known that all other fractures cause significant loss of quality of life. The global problem is increasing at an alarming rate. A concerted effort must be made to reverse this trend. The success of any program for prevention of osteoporosis depends on the early and accurate identification of those at increased risk. CaMos is a population-based cohort study of 9,423 individuals from across the country. To date, people aged 25 years and over have been enrolled and followed for more than five years. We plan to continue follow-up of this cohort, and add to it a younger population segment (ages 16-24). Thus we will be able to identify those factors that determine ultimate bone size and strength in the young as well as factors that cause bone to become fragile, i.e. osteoporotic, with age. The ultimate objective of the study is to develop strategies for prevention of osteoporosis and fracture.