Individuals suffering hip fractures have a 5 to 20 percent greater risk of dying within the first year following that injury than others in their age group. Alendronate, a bisphosphonate, recently has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Calcitonin is another treatment used by both women and men for osteoporosis. This drug has been shown to slow bone breakdown and also can reduce the pain associated with osteoporosis fractures. Treatment under investigation include other bisphosphonates, sodium fluoride, vitamin D metabolites and selective estrogen receptor modulators.
Medical experts agree that osteoporosis is highly preventable.
However, if the toll of osteoporosis is to be reduced, the commitment to osteoporosis research must be significantly increased. It is reasonable to project that with increased research, the future for definitive treatment and prevention of osteoporosis is very bright. The National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation's leading resource for patients, health care professionals, and organization seeking current, medically sound information on the causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. This information is provided for educational purposes only. Please read the disclaimer .