Optimising the management of osteoporosis

With increasing longevity of the population globally, the prevalence of osteoporosis will rise, associated with significant morbidity, disability and increased mortality. Adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, increasing physical activity, a strategy of avoiding falls, cessation of smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol intake are pivotal in maintaining healthy bones in all age groups. Oral bisphosphonates remain the most cost-effective first line of treatment. Better methods of identifying patients with high fracture risk is needed as there is adequate effective treatment for osteoporosis.