Ethnic and Genetic Differences in Susceptibility to Osteoporotic Fractures

Abstract
This chapter contains a review of current information relative to the genetic and environmental determinants of ethnic and racial differences in bone mass and susceptibility to osteoporotic fractures. Evidence for differences in bone mass at all stages of the life cycle is documented, with particular reference to blacks vs. whites and whites vs. Asians. The potential of genetic markers to explain these differences is discussed.