Ongoing Osteoporosis Management Dealing With Dilemmas – MM1704
Osteoporotic fracture is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite the availability of treatment, many of those at risk do not receive appropriate
therapy. Every patient taking antiosteoporotic therapy should be regularly reassessed regarding continuing therapy, with the ongoing risk of fracture
balanced against the small risk of continued therapy. Consideration should be given to whether treatment remains appropriate, whether any change is
warranted and whether any ‘tweaking’ is possible to lower risk, remembering nonpharmacological measures such as dietary improvement, falls prevention
and smoking cessation. Each patient should be assessed for individual risk. Patients receiving ongoing antiresorptive therapy, particularly long term, should
be asked regularly about thigh pain because of the small risk of atypical femoral fracture.
Modern Medicine – April 2017
