OSTEOPOROSIS - METHODS TO PREVENT FRACTURES IN PATIENTS AT HIGH-RISK

Persons at increased risk for osteoporotic fracture can be identified by clinical assessment and bone-density measurements. General measures (adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, along with an active life style) can slow the rate of bone loss and should be recommended for al l patients. Estrogen and parenteral salmon calcitonin are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of osteoporosis; these agents prevent bone loss in most patients and produce modest increases in bone mass, even in patients with advanced disease. Newer agents, s uch as bisphosphonates, provide additional therapeutic options.