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 ...

Established risk factors for osteoporosis and associated fractures are increasing age, female sex, white race, removal of the ovaries at an early age, prolonged immobility, and prolonged use of corticosteroids. Obesity and use of estrogen replacement...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Evidence from a variety of sources indicates that exercise can increase the mineral content of bone, raising the expectation that exercise programs may be effective therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis, and the prevention of hip and spinal fract...

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...