Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Common sites of osteoporotic fractures are in the spine (vertebral), hip (proximal femur) or wrist (distal forearm). In Malaysia, in 1997, the incidence of hip fracture among individuals above 50 years of age was 90 per 100,000 population. The incidence increased with age; in the 50-54 year olds, the incidence was 10 per 100,000, rising to 510 per 100,000 in those over 75 years old. OP fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Following a hip fracture, there is a reduction in survival of 10-20% over next 1 year. For clinically diagnosed vertebral fractures, there is a relative survival rate of 0.82 (18% reduction) at 5 years following the diagnosis.