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Management of osteoporosis in the elderly
R Rizzoli1, O Bruyere, J B Cannata-Andia
1Division of Bone Diseases, Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Rue Micheli-du-Crest 24, 1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland. Rene.Rizzoli@unige.ch
Current Medical Research and Opinion
|August 5, 2009
Summary
Effective strategies for reducing osteoporotic fractures in the elderly include exercise, vitamin D and calcium supplements, and appropriate osteoporosis medications. Optimizing these interventions can significantly lower fracture risk in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Bone Health
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition in the elderly, with hip fractures commonly occurring around age 83.
- Fracture risk is multifactorial, influenced by bone strength and fall propensity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on management strategies for reducing falls and osteoporotic fractures in the elderly.
- Focus on non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions.
Main Methods:
- Medline searches up to April 2009.
- Review of available evidence on fall and fracture prevention strategies.
Main Results:
- Frailty is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in the elderly.
- Exercise programs, particularly those with balance training, are effective in preventing fractures.
- Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduce falls and fractures in deficient individuals.
- Specific osteoporosis drugs are underutilized; evidence for efficacy in elderly, especially for non-vertebral/hip fractures, is often incomplete.
- Strontium ranelate has a relatively complete evidence base.
- Non-adherence to treatment is a significant issue.
Conclusions:
- Evidence-based strategies like exercise, vitamin D/calcium supplementation, and anti-osteoporotic drugs can reduce fracture risk in the elderly.
- Proactive implementation of these strategies can decrease the burden of osteoporotic fractures in this high-risk population.
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