11 Osteoporosis: outstanding issues

Abstract

Major advances have occurred in our knowledge of osteoporosis and its treatment in the past 10 years. This paper reviews aspects of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of the disease that deserve further investigation. Although anti-resorption treatments such as hormone replacement therapy and bisphosphonates have been shown to reduce the incidence of osteoporotic fractures, there is room for improving available treatments. Today, there is no bone-forming agent that has been shown to decrease fracture rate, and several agents are under clinical investigation. The potential value of combined therapy will also be discussed.