Objectives To clarify the factors associated with prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
of osteoporosis, and to present the most recent information available in these
areas.
Participants From March 27-29, 2000, a nonfederal, nonadvocate, 13-member panel was
convened, representing the fields of internal medicine, family and community
medicine, endocrinology, epidemiology, orthopedic surgery, gerontology, rheumatology,
obstetrics and gynecology, preventive medicine, and cell biology. Thirty-two
experts from these fields presented data to the panel and an audience of 699.
Primary sponsors were the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases and the National Institutes of Health Office of Medical
Applications of Research.
Evidence MEDLINE was searched for January 1995 through December 1999, and a bibliography
of 2449 references provided to the panel. Experts prepared abstracts for presentations
with relevant literature citations. Scientific evidence was given precedence
over anecdotal experience.
Consensus Process The panel, answering predefined questions, developed conclusions based
on evidence presented in open forum and the literature. The panel composed
a draft statement, which was read and circulated to the experts and the audience
for public discussion. The panel resolved conflicts and released a revised
statement at the end of the conference. The draft statement was posted on
the Web on March 30, 2000, and updated with the panel's final revisions within
a few weeks.
Conclusions Though prevalent in white postmenopausal women, osteoporosis occurs
in all populations and at all ages and has significant physical, psychosocial,
and financial consequences. Risks for osteoporosis (reflected by low bone
mineral density [BMD]) and for fracture overlap but are not identical. More
attention should be paid to skeletal health in persons with conditions associated
with secondary osteoporosis. Clinical risk factors have an important but poorly
validated role in determining who should have BMD measurement, in assessing
fracture risk, and in determining who should be treated. Adequate calcium
and vitamin D intake is crucial to develop optimal peak bone mass and to preserve
bone mass throughout life. Supplementation with these 2 nutrients may be necessary
in persons not achieving recommended dietary intake. Gonadal steroids are
important determinants of peak and lifetime bone mass in men, women, and children.
Regular exercise, especially resistance and high-impact activities, contributes
to development of high peak bone mass and may reduce risk of falls in older
persons. Assessment of bone mass, identification of fracture risk, and determination
of who should be treated are the optimal goals when evaluating patients for
osteoporosis. Fracture prevention is the primary treatment goal for patients
with osteoporosis. Several treatments have been shown to reduce the risk of
osteoporotic fractures, including those that enhance bone mass and reduce
the risk or consequences of falls. Adults with vertebral, rib, hip, or distal
forearm fractures should be evaluated for osteoporosis and given appropriate
therapy.