European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

OSTEOPOROSIS: A REVIEW ON TREATMENT AND SCREENING

R. Vadivelan*, N. Punitha, Triveni Jasti and Gautam Adhikari

ABSTRACT

Osteoporosis defined as the reduction of bone mass leading to increased fracture risk, is a major health problem. Osteoporosis mainly occurs in postmenopausal women and elderly men Although common, osteoporosis can be clinically silent, and without prevention and screening, the costs of osteoporotic fracture–related morbidity and mortality will burden the healthcare system. This is a particularly relevant concern in the context of diminishing health care resources. Cost-effectiveness analyses support early detection and treatment of high-risk patients with anti-resorptive medications such as bisphosphonates. Moreover, optimization of bone health throughout life can help prevent osteoporosis. Current guidelines recommend screening women by age 65 years, but because no guidelines for screening intervals exist, decisions are made on the basis of clinical judgment alone. Although the recent literature provides some guidance, this review further explores current recommendations in light of newer evidence to provide more clarity on prevention, screening, and management strategies for patients with osteoporosis in the primary care setting.

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