OSTEOPOROSIS - DETECTION, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT IN PRIMARY-CARE

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that often remains asymptomatic and u ndetected until bone fracture occurs. Because of the high morbidity as sociated with fracture, prevention is a clinical priority. In order to identify those who would benefit from therapeutic intervention, bone density measurement is indicated in patients with risk factors for ost eoporosis. Therapies include hormone replacement, calcitonin, bisphosp honates, and selective estrogen receptor modulators, as well as exerci se and supplements of calcium and vitamin D. The goal of all treatment s is to decrease the risk of fracture by minimizing bone loss and incr easing bone mass.