[Goals of treatment for osteoporosis]

Abstract

Clinical practice is based on the data obtained in the randomized clinical trials with robust statistical power. Results of meta-analysis including plural randomized trials are also reliable, directly indicating the consistency of the efficacy of the treatment. Osteoporosis, a reduction in bone strength, is a disease of increased fracture risk, leading to enforced morbidity due to chronic pain and skeletal deformity and consequent increase in mortality. Thus, the reduction in fracture risk is just a prerequisite, and the decreases in morbidity and mortality are expected as the further goal of osteoporosis treatment. Evidences have been accumulated to indicate that treatments with amino-bisphosphonates reduce fracture risk, maintain ADL and QOL, and decrease the death rates. Osteoporosis treatment is greatly recommended to improve the general health condition in elderly people.