Globally, osteoporosis causes more then 8.9 million fractures per annum. To put this into perspective, every three seconds an osteoporotic fracture occurs.  Osteoporosis is one of the most common conditions faced by the ageing population, it characterised by the significant loss of bone mass and bone deterioration. Fragile bones significantly increase the risk of fractures. 

Osteoporosis has led to huge economic and socioeconomic impacts both in developing and developed countries.  One in three women and one in five men over the age of fifty are expected to suffer a fracture caused by weak bones. Musculoskeletal diseases cause pain, disability, a loss of independence and premature death.