What's new in the management of osteoporosis and prevention of fragility fractures?

Abstract

With an increasingly ageing population it has never been more important to reduce the burden of fragility fractures. Fragility fractures, especially those of spine and hip, affect an individual's morbidity and mortality and carry a significant economic burden. There has been a recent shift towards a more stratified approach to the management of fracture risk, using fracture assessment tools, in combination with assessment of bone mineral density using dual X-ray absorptiometry scanning. Primary and secondary fracture prevention will be outlined including the important role of fracture liaison services. The use of medications which reduce fracture risks are discussed including the use of zoledronate in the immediate post-hip fracture setting.