Bone Mineral Density Thresholds for Pharmacological Intervention to Prevent Fractures

Abstract

Osteoporotic fractures cause substantial clinical and economic burdens for society.^1,2 More than 50% of women with hip fractures never completely return to their prefracture function; 25% are admitted to nursing homes and 20% die within 1 year after fracture.³ Vertebral fractures are also associated with increased morbidity and mortality.^1,4 The number of osteoporotic fractures and cost for their treatment are expected to continue to rise because of the aging of the population and secular increases in the incidence of fractures.^5,6