Practice Cases
Select a case from one of the topic categories listed below, or read Osteoporosis - An Overview for general information about osteoporosis.
Screening & Evaluation
Whom to Screen
Learn about some of the current guidelines for screening, the importance of risk factors and how expert groups differ in their recommendations.
Bone Density Measurement Basics
Learn which techniques and sites are best for bone density testing, the meaning of T- and Z-scores, and payment issues
Following Changes in Bone Density
Find out how often to obtain a DXA, how to judge a significant change in density, and the pitfalls in interpreting changes.
Fracture Risk Assessment
Information on risk factors can illuminate the causes of osteoporosis and play an important role in screening and treatment decisions. To learn more, check out this case.
Prevention
Fall Prevention
Falls are major contributors to fractures. Learn about patient evaluation and interventions to prevent falls.
Exercise in Osteoporosis Prevention
What is the relationship between exercise and osteoporosis during each phase of life? Find some answers in this case.
Drug Therapy
Estrogen Therapy
What is the role of hormone therapy in light of new research findings? Explore the issues in this case.
SERMs in Osteoporosis
Learn about SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators) and recent findings regarding their effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer.
Bisphosphonates
Learn how these potent inhibitors of bone resorbtion can improve bone density and reduce fracture risk. Find out who may benefit from these drugs.
Calcitonin
Understand the role of calcitonin in treatment of osteoporosis and acute vertebral fractures.
Teriparatide
When do you treat patients with teriparatide? Learn about the benefits of teriparatide in high risk patients.
Thiazide Diuretics
How do thiazide diuretics affect bone density and fracture risk?
Secondary Osteoporosis
Corticosteroid-Induced Osteoporosis
Find out the dose of prednisone that causes osteoporosis and how to monitor and prevent osteoporosis in patients on steroids.
Female Hypogonadism
Eating disorders can have a profound effect on the body, including bone. Review aspects of this disease pertaining to bone health.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Osteoporosis is not the only cause of low bone density. Learn how lifestyle and nutrition can contribute to the development of osteomalacia, a condition that can coexist with osteoporosis.
Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Depo-Provera, DMPA) Effects on Bone Mineral Density
Depot medroxyprogesterone is a very effective form of birth control. Understand how it affects bone density in both adolescents and adult women.
Male Osteoporosis
Male Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a significant disease among men as well as in women. This case reviews features of diagnosis and treatment that are specific to men.