Osteoporosis and hip fractures: challenges to investigators and clinicians
Article Abstract:
A broken hip is a common and serious medical crisis for many older persons; this injury or its complications can be fatal or can greatly limit the patient's subsequent mobility and independence. There are various causes of hip fracture, but an important one is osteoporosis, the progressive disease that reduces bone density, making bones weak and fragile. An article by Cummings et al. in the February 2, 1990 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association made a valuable contribution to the understanding of osteoporosis and hip fractures. The authors found that bone density measured in the wrist and heel predicted risk for subsequent hip fractures in elderly women. Independent from bone density, age also predicted risk of hip fracture: older women were at greater risk. The findings can help direct efforts at preventing hip injuries in the elderly. An older person's chance of falling should be minimized by correcting or considering poor vision, difficulty with walking, and mental deficits. Screening tests to measure bone density may be valuable in an individual believed to be at high risk because of family history, poor calcium intake, or other factors. General recommendations for treating osteoporosis have been provided by several experts who agree that vitamin D and calcium supplements, regular weight-bearing exercise, and individualized lifestyle changes are likely to be beneficial. The advisability of using estrogens in postmenopausal women to prevent or treat osteoporosis is still controversial. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Osteoporosis Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy
Article Abstract:
A panel of experts convened by the US National Institutes of Health discusses recommendations for diagnosing, treating, and preventing osteoporosis. The panel reviewed 2,449 articles and prepared draft guidelines that were revised after public discussion at a three-day conference.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Article Abstract:
There are several choices for treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. They include estrogen replacement therapy, bisphosphonates, raloxifene, and calcitonin. Newer drugs will increase this list, allowing doctors to provide women with individualized treatment.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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