[Osteoporosis: Optimizing treatment strategy]

Abstract

Selection of patients for treatment is based on the assessment of their absolute fracture risk over 10 years. Assessment of fracture risk includes not only DXA measurement and age, the two principal risk factors, but also other clinical risk factors. The main goal of postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment is to reduce the risk of fragility fractures. Choice of treatment is based on drug properties, demonstrated in clinical trials, and patients' specific fracture risks. The minimum duration of treatment is 4-5 years, after which individual fracture risk must be reevaluated. Combinations of available drugs are not recommended for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.