[Diagnosis and therapy of osteoporosis. Strategy for effective treatment after fragility fractures]

Abstract

Until about 20 years ago osteoporosis was considered an inevitable disease of ageing. Now the situation has completely changed and osteoporosis is classified as a disorder which is easily diagnosed and treated in the early stages of its development that is,before a skeletal fracture has occurred. Two types of medication are available today for prophylaxis and therapy of osteoporosis: the antiresorptive and the osteoanabolic drugs whose efficacy has been demonstrated in large randomized clinical trials (RCTs). These drugs are effective not only in the early stages of osteoporosis i.e. for prevention, but also when fractures have already occurred, to reduce the risk of further skeletal fractures. However, in this setting only about 7% of patients in Germany are being treated although all are at significant risk of sustaining additional fractures. Consequently all patients with osteoporosis-related fractures should be thoroughly investigated during their hospitalisation and effective treatment instituted. In addition, treatment should be continued and monitored by the family doctor. The strategy for the administration of therapy for successful prevention of secondary fractures in osteoporosis is presented.