Includes index

1. Introduction 2. Definition and Epidemiology 3. Pathophysiology 3.1 Bone structure 3.2 The cells of bone 3.3 Bone matrix 3.4 Bone remodelling 3.5 Regulation of bone mass and bone loss 3.5.1 Genetics 3.5.2 Sex hormones 3.5.3 Diet 3.5.4 Exercise 3.5.5 Smoking 3.5.6 Alcohol 3.5.7 Other risk factors 3.6 Diseases and drugs 3.6.1 Chronic Inflammatory disease 3.6.2 Gastrointestinal Disease 3.6.3 Thyrotoxicosis 3.6.4 Primary Hyperparathyroidism 3.6.5 Hypogonadism 3.6.6 Corticosteroids 3.6.7 Other drugs 4. Investigation and Diagnosis 4.1 Clinical Assessment 4.2 Bone densitometry 4.3 Quantitative Ultrasound 4.4 Plain Radiographs 4.5 Other Imaging techniques 4.6 Bone turnover markers 4.7 Genetic markers 4.8 Routine Biochemistry and haematology 4.9 Bone biopsy 5. Prevention of Osteoporosis 5.1 When should preventative treatment be used? 5.1.1 Diet 5.1.2 Exercise 5.1.3 Smoking alcohol and other factors 5.1.4 Calcium and vitamin D 5.1.5 HRT 5.1.6 Raloxifene 5.1.7 Tibolone 5.1.8 Bisphosphonates (Etidronate, Alendronate, Risedronate) 5.1.9 Agents in development (Zoledronate, Ibandronate) 6. Treatment of established osteoporosis 6.1 When should treatment be given? 6.1.1 Calcium and vitamin D 6.1.2 Active vitamin D metabolites 6.1.3 Calcitonin 6.1.4 Fluoride 6.1.5 Raloxifene 6.1.6 Cyclic etidronate, 6.1.7 Alendronate, 6.1.8 Risedronate 6.1.9 Agents in development (PTH, Zoledronate, Ibandronate) 7. Corticosteroid induced osteoporosis 7.1 Pathogenesis 7.2 Investigation 7.3 Prevention and Treatment 8. Osteoporosis in men 8.1 Pathogenesis 8.2 Investigation 8.3 Treatment 9. Osteogenesis imperfecta 9.1 Pathogenesis 9.2 Investigation 9.3 Treatment 10. Rare causes of osteoporosis 11. Frequently Asked Questions 12. References Appendix 1 - Drug treatments and doses Appendix 2 - Useful addresses and websites Index

This reference is designed by clinical specialists to assist with treatment decisions. Each title in the 'Rapid Reference' series provides standard core content combined with the additional information, such as FAQs and patient organizations, needed by the GP to provide effective patient care