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Review
. 2016 Jun;39(3):85-7.
doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2016.038. Epub 2016 Jun 1.

Secondary osteoporosis

Angela Sheu  1 , Terry Diamond  1
Affiliations
Review

Secondary osteoporosis

Angela Sheu et al. Aust Prescr. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Secondary osteoporosis is less common than primary osteoporosis. It may be suspected in patients who present with a fragility fracture despite having no risk factors for osteoporosis. In addition, secondary osteoporosis should be considered if the bone density Z-score is -2.5 or less. Consider the fracture site and presence of other clinical clues to guide investigations for an underlying cause. The tests to use are those that are indicated for the suspected cause. Baseline investigations include tests for bone and mineral metabolism (calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone), liver and kidney function, full blood count and thyroid-stimulating hormone. More detailed testing may be required in patients with severe osteoporosis.

Keywords: Z-score; biopsy of bone; bone density; fracture of bone; osteoporosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: none declared

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