Osteoporosis and skeletal fractures

Area of Science:

• Bone health and metabolic disorders
• Geriatric medicine
• Orthopedic surgery

Background:

• Osteoporosis leads to millions of fragility fractures globally, causing significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden.
• Low-energy fractures often indicate underlying osteoporosis, yet remain underdiagnosed and undertreated in elderly patients.
• Improved physician and patient awareness is critical for effective osteoporosis management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review effective strategies for preventing fragility fractures.
• To inform clinicians about managing patients with osteoporotic fractures.
• To highlight the importance of diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on osteoporosis prevention and management.
• Discussion of nutritional interventions (calcium, vitamin D).
• Overview of pharmacologic treatments (bisphosphonates, teriparatide) and non-pharmacologic approaches (exercise, hip protectors).

Main Results:

• Adequate mineral nutrition and antiresorptive medications significantly reduce future fracture risk.
• Balance and strength training are vital, especially post-fracture.
• Minimally invasive procedures like kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty show promise for vertebral fractures.

Conclusions:

• Osteoporosis is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, necessitating improved physician education and patient advocacy.
• Perioperative intervention programs enhance treatment rates by educating patients on osteoporosis and available options.
• A multi-faceted approach involving nutrition, medication, exercise, and patient education is key to reducing skeletal fracture risk.