[Principles of the therapy of osteoporosis. 1. Definition, classification, diagnosis]

More and more the treatment of osteoporotic changes of the skeleton becomes a topic of discussion of an emotional nature. Whatever reasons may exist, it can be taken for granted that a considerable interest can be found in the pertinent problems coming up, and that a difference of opinion exist on some issues. However, certain principles should not be disputed, since nowadays there is hardly any doubt as to their validity. To represent these and to compare them with the methods of treatment of an osteoporosis discussed today is the purpose of this information. This first part contains definition, classification and diagnosis.