Osteoporosis is a major public health problem. In women, the estimated lifetime risks of hip and vertebral fractures are 15percnt; and 25percnt;, respectively. The development of accurate and reproducible methods of assessing bone mineral density has enabled identification of persons at risk of fracture and assessment of response to treatment. Estrogen replacement therapy is effective in the prophylaxis of postmenopausal osteoporosis, and is the only therapy with well-proven antifracture efficacy. Fluoride can dramatically increase bone density, although a recent large, controlled study has demonstrated no effect on vertebral fractures. Bisphosphonates are emerging as a likely effective therapy for both idiopathic and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Calcium, vitamin D, calcitonin, and anabolic steroids may still have a role. Parathyroid hormone is a promising development that will need further study. Paget's disease is also common, affecting more than 3percnt; of people over 40 years old. Calcitonin is an established therapy, although the bisphosphonates are a promising alternative.
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