Osteoporosis, which is characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of fragility fractures, is the result of a complex interaction between environmental factors and genetic variants that confer susceptibility. Fracture and other complications caused by osteoporosis have serious impact on the life quality and life span of patients. Although previous linkage and candidate gene studies have provided few replicated loci for osteoporosis, genome-wide approaches and next generation sequencing have produced clear and reproducible findings. To date, 25 genome-wide studies for osteoporosis and related traits have been conducted, identifying 76 genes and loci. In this review, we will update the genetic study of osteoporosis and provide some perspective views.