Osteoporosis: the basics and case-based advanced treatment update for the orthopaedic surgeon

Abstract

When fragility fractures occur, urgent treatment is needed to reduce the risk of refracture. An extensive case-based review is used to provide an update on the basics of osteoporosis and the evaluation and treatment of patients with fragility fractures, with the goal of decreasing the risk of subsequent fracture. The pathophysiology of osteoporosis, mechanisms of action of optimal antifracture medications that will become a part of the pharmacologic armamentarium of every orthopaedic surgeon, and detailed evaluation and treatment information are presented to provide orthopaedic surgeons with the information needed to optimize the bone health of their patients.