Prevention And Management Of Osteoporosis

Fractures resulting from osteoporosis are a major public health problem. Risk factors include previous fracture, family history of fracture, slender habitus, early menopause, treatment with drugs known to affect bone and diseases known to affect bone. The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be made if the bone density Tscore is 2.5 or below. The aims of treatment of established osteoporosis are alleviation of symptoms and reduction of the risk of further fractures. Currently available drugs can prevent further bone loss and reduce the risk of further fractures by up to 50%. Preventive treatments aim to increase peak bone mass and reduce the subsequent rate of bone loss. Osteoporosis can be prevented by careful attention to exercise and diet.