Osteoporosis and its complications

• Published in: The Medical clinics of North America Vol. 98; no. 4; p. 817
• Main Authors: Varacallo, Matthew A, Fox, Ed J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2014
• Subjects: Age Factors; Bone Density; Bone Density Conservation Agents - administration & dosage; Bone Density Conservation Agents - therapeutic use; Calcium - therapeutic use; Comorbidity; Diphosphonates - therapeutic use; Estrogens - therapeutic use; Hip Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Hip Fractures - etiology; Hip Fractures - prevention & control; Humans; Osteoporosis - complications; Osteoporosis - drug therapy; Radiography; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Spinal Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Spinal Fractures - etiology; Spinal Fractures - prevention & control; Vitamin D - therapeutic use; Osteoporosis; Hip fractures; Vertebral compression fractures; Bisphosphonates; Fragility fractures
• ISSN: 1557-9859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2014.03.007

This article provides an overview of the current burden of osteoporosis and its complications in today's health care system. The impact of osteoporosis on patients' quality of life and direct financial consequences to the entire health care system are emphasized to highlight the need for increased knowledge and awareness of its complications if left untreated or treated incorrectly. Special attention is given to hip fracture and vertebral compression fracture, stressing the importance of diagnosing osteoporosis before fragility fractures occur. Models for improved care of fragility fractures during follow-up in the outpatient setting and the use of pharmacologic agents are discussed.