Assessment and management of osteoporosis in elderly people
Dennison E., Cooper C.
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterised by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. It is a widespread condition, often unrecognised in clinical practice, which may have devastating health consequences through its association with fragility fractures. This article reviews the epidemiology of osteoporotic fracture of the hip, spine and distal forearm, and discusses the assessment and management of osteoporosis in elderly people. The role of currently available diagnostic techniques, fall reduction strategies and pharmacological agents is discussed.