HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Murphy, F. T. Articles by Sands, E. E. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Murphy, F. T. Articles by Sands, E. E.

From the Altoona Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center, Center for Clinical Research, Duncansville, Pa.

Address correspondence to Frederick T. Murphy, DO, Altoona Center for Clinical Research, Altoona Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center, Meadowbrook Plaza, 1125 Old Route 220 North, Duncansville, PA 16635.E-mail ftmurphy{at}pol.net.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, reduction in quality of life, and increasing health care costs. It is estimated that 1.5 million women in the United States have one or more osteoporosis-related fractures annually. Fractures may occur at any site, but vertebral fractures are the most common. Longitudinal studies have demonstrated a decreased life expectancy associated with both vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. Once an initial fracture occurs, there is a fivefold increased risk of a second fracture within 1 year. The management of osteoporosis today incorporates multiple modalities of therapy. In addition to early detection, patient education, exercise, and nutritional supplementation, multiple therapeutic agents should be implemented early in an attempt to prevent initial and subsequent fractures. This article reviews currently approved modalities of therapy for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.