Perspectives in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a chronic skeletal condition characterized by compromised bone strength. This disorder affects a substantial proportion of the elderly population and causes notable morbidity, deterioration in quality of life and mortality due to associated fragility fractures. Over the past two decades the range of therapeutic options for the treatment of osteoporosis and fracture prevention has increased dramatically with the development of potent antiresorptive and anabolic agents. This review summarizes the effects of existing treatment options and of promising new therapies for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.