Management of established osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is established when certain types of fractures occur or a reliable form of bone densiometry detects low bone mass. The treatment of established osteoporosis is undertaken with a number of choices. The goals of therapy are to stabilize the patient's condition and to prevent fractures. Generally, this means preventing further osteoporosis and, if possible, increasing bone mineral density. Estrogen, calcitonin, alendronate, etidronate, exercise, and calcium with vitamin D are the most available therapies in the United States. Other therapies are discussed.