Abstract
Osteoporosis results from a reduction in the quantity of bone tissue and deterioration of bone quality (e.g. bone microstructure) leading to a general loss in bone strength and greater fracture risk following minor stress on the bone. More than a third of adult women and one in five men over age 50 will sustain one or more fragility fractures in their lifetime.
Osteoporotic fractures, particularly of the hip, result in significant morbidity and mortality and pose a considerable economic burden. Diagnosis and early treatment of osteoporosis are extremely important.
Pharmacological interventions should be considered if osteoporosis is present, there is a history of fragility fracture, or in the setting of osteopenia plus high risk for fracture (e.g. longterm glucocorticoid therapy). Unfortunately, despite tremendous therapeutic advances, there is an increasing treatment gap for patients at high fracture risk.