Treatment of established osteoporosis

Treatment of osteoporosis, defined as low bone mass with or without fracture, should take into account the modification of some pathogenic factors and risk behaviours, as well as the pharmacological intervention. It should be corrected a life style excessively sedentary, and regular exercising promoted, as well as prolonged immobilisation should be avoided. To recommend a good nutrition is also of great importance, and specially in relation to correct deficits of calcium and vitamin D. Additionally it should be taken into account, and avoided whenever possible, some disabilities, like a visual deficiency, and some architectonic barriers that might influence the predisposition to fall and therefore the risk of fracture. Amongst the drug therapies currently used in the treatment of osteoporosis might be mentioned hormone replacement therapy, dishosphonates, calcitonine, calcium and vitamin D. Strontium, tartronate and raloxifene might be mentioned as new developments to fight against this disease. This article reviews the available clinical evidence on the efficacy of the current drug therapies used for the treatment of osteoporosis, the possible indications of these treatments, and the possible risks and adverse events that might be associated to their use.