Osteoporosis - Recent advances in diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent disorder in the older population. The approach in management is towards identification of high risk patients for preventive and therapeutic measures. The diagnosis of osteoporosis and assessment of fracture risk can be made readily by measurement of bone mass with bone densitometry. Quantitative ultrasonometry is becoming popular as an initial test to identify patients who require further investigation. Coupled with the assessment of risk factors for osteoporosis, the use of bone mineral density can achieve high sensitivity and specificity in identifying subjects with high fracture risk. The role of hormone replacement therapy, selective oestrogen receptor modulators and other anti-resorptive agents such as bisphosphonates, calcitonin and vitamin D in treatment of osteoporosis are discussed.