Main description:

Osteoporosis is a global threat because it can impact every human being as they age. In this new edition, the authors point out the enormous scale of the problem in terms of human suffering, morbidity and mortality on the one hand, and the astronomical national costs on the other. Written in an easy-to-read style, this book updates physicians on the current knowledge about bone structure, physiology and pathology, with an emphasis on the diagnosis, therapy and prevention of osteoporosis. Its purpose is to educate members of the medical profession about this widespread and potentially disabling disease, while providing information on related current evidence-based medicine. The book covers everything from basic physiology to osteoporosis diagnosis, including utility of specialized tests and current treatment recommendations, and will provide the primary care physician with sound medical knowledge in the prevention and management of osteoporosis. It is up-beat and optimistic, with a touch of humor; it is scientifically based but provides easy-to-follow guidelines for lifelong maintenance of skeletal structure and function. Osteoporosis is preventable if doctors want it to be, and every doctor can contribute. Bone is every doctor's and every body's business.

Contents:

Epidemiology of Osteoporosis.- Biology of Bone.- Pathogenesis of Osteoporosis.- Subgroups of Osteoporosis.- Risk Factors for Fractures.- Clinical Evaluation of Osteoporosis.- Bone Density in Osteoporosis.- Laboratory Evaluation of Osteoporosis.- Prevention of Osteoporosis.- Physical Activity and Exercise Programs.- Treatment Strategies in Osteoporosis.- Management of Pain in Osteoporosis.- Calcium and Vitamin D.- Hormones for Replacement Therapy.- Bisphosphonates.- Selective Oestrogen-Receptor Modulators.- Peptides of the Parathyroid Hormone Family.- Strontium Ranelate.- Calcitonin and Fluoride.- Combination and Sequential Therapies.- Future Directions.- Adherence and Monitoring of Osteoporosis Therapy.- Osteoporotic Fractures.- Pregnancy and Lactation.- Osteoporosis in Men.- Osteoporosis in Children.- Immobilization Osteoporosis.- Osteoporosis in Medical Disciplines.- Osteoporosis and Drugs.- AIDS Osteopathy.- Renal Osteopathy.- Localized Osteopathies.- Periprosthetic Osteoporosis and Aseptic Loosening of Prostheses.- Oral Bone Loss, Periodontitis and Osteoporosis.- Disorders of Bone Due to Tumours.- The Metabolic Syndrome - A Major Cause of Osteoporosis in the World Today.