8 How do we manage specific types of osteoporosis?

Abstract

Osteoporosis in children, adolescents and corticosteroid-treated patients represent a particular problem for clinicians. In children and adolescents, the main management question is whether any specific interventions can influence attainment of peak bone mass and so decrease the chance of osteoporosis in later adult life. The role of physical activity and calcium in particular are reviewed. In adolescence, osteoporosis is usually due to idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis or secondary to amenorrhoea or anorexia nervosa. These entities, as well as the management of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis at all ages, are discussed.