Osteoporosis and osteopenia – the role of family medicine physician
Osteoporosis is the most common chronic metabolic bone disease characterized by low bone mass and disturbed bone microarchitecture leading to an increased tendency for fractures. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and osteopenia at the level family physician health care level, with special emphasis on primary prevention and screening. The golden standard in diagnosing osteoporosis is measuring bone mineral density by the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). It isa radiological diagnostic criteria expressed as a T-score - a deviation in the number of standard deviations (SDs) for a young healthy population of the same race and gender. A screening is performed in all women > 65 years and men > 70 years. The best known fracture risk assessment and treatment initiation tool is the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX). Oral bisphosphonates are first line of treatment is. The role of family medicine physicians is primarily to screen patients for osteoporosis or osteopenia, and to consult and monitor patients’ health condition.
Key words:
family medicine; osteopenia; osteoporosis; screening; treatment
OGLASI
