We compared three different methods of measuring bone mass for their diagnostic value and their usefulness in follow-up measurements. The three methods were: measurement of (1) bone mineral content in the distal forearm by single photon (125I) absorp...

Calcium supplements are widely used, yet many questions remain as to the absorption of various calcium salts. Because the solubility of many calcium salts is dependent upon pH, the type of salt used, the condition of the patient, and the time of admi...

Involutional bone loss, and the fracture syndromes that are designated "osteoporosis," are multifactorial phenomena. Gonadal hormone deficiency, inadequate exercise, and a multitude of lifestyle factors are involved in their pathogenesis. Calcium is ...

The best approach to treatment of osteoporosis is prevention of bone loss as discussed elsewhere in this volume. However, some currently approved therapeutic agents are helpful in the management of the patient who presents with an osteoporotic fractu...

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) for postmenopausal women greatly reduces the risk of osteoporotic fractures, but carries an increased risk of endometrial cancer. This risk can be reduced by the addition of progestin, which does not interfere with ...

A survey of physicians, consumers, journalists, and experts on osteoporosis showed that the level of awareness, particularly among consumers and physicians, regarding osteoporosis and calcium supplementation is high. Professionals and consumers alike...

Osteoporosis is more readily prevented than treated, and early intervention with effective therapy would be expected to reduce significantly the impact of osteoporotic fractures among the aging population. For the postmenopausal female population, es...

Four procedures--single photon absorptiometry, dual photon absorptiometry, dual energy radiography, and quantitative computed tomography--allow nontraumatic measurement of bone mineral, with high accuracy and precision, under conditions generally enc...

There is a positive relationship between bone mass and resistance to breaking. Measurements of the spine made by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and dual photon absorptiometry (DPA) appear to allow a determination of the risk of vertebral comp...

Osteoporosis is most acutely experienced by the elderly, yet little research has focused on this problem in this group. Recommendations for osteoporosis prevention and treatment in the elderly have been extrapolated from studies of perimenopausal wom...

Hormonal therapy can effectively enhance the quality of life for postmenopausal women, and prevent climacteric-related conditions such as osteoporosis. Since long-term therapy is often required, compliance becomes an important issue. This can best be...

Counseling techniques and methods are more important parameters than message content for ensuring that a desired change in behavior occurs. Knowledge is necessary but not sufficient for behavior change, and teaching should not be confused with learni...

Osteoporosis in the elderly woman is determined by the amount of peak bone mass in adolescence, the premenopausal maintenance of such peak bone mass, and the rate of postmenopausal bone mass loss. The majority of research efforts in the past have bee...