Osteoporosis--a review and update.

Osteoporosis is a common disorder in women. Fifty percent of women more than 65 years of age have bone mineral density below the fracture threshold. Factors which accelerate bone loss include deficiency of gonadal hormones, nutritional effects, lack of exercise, smoking, alcoholism and endocrinopathies. Fractures of the hip, vertebra and radius occur much more frequently in patients with osteoporosis. Chronic pain is caused by compression fractures of vertebrae resulting in mechanical changes in the spine. The most desirable treatment is prevention. Adequate dietary intake of calcium, exercise and avoidance of excess intake of protein and phosphorus should be advised. Treatment with fluoride is promising but requires further study.