Via practica 4/2021

Osteoporosis in the general practitioner’s office

Osteoporosis is one of the most common diseases in modern medicine, and its sequelae are all the worse because the development of the disease is insidious and asymptomatic in the long term. Given the enormous prevalence of the disease, the role of general practitioners is of utmost importance, particularly in terms of early diagnosis and patient identification. Simple calculation aids can significantly improve identification of high-risk patients. While the key diagnostic assessment must be performed at specialized centres, the basic therapeutic processes – calcium and vitamin D supplementation, healthy lifestyle, physical activity, and prevention of falls – are entirely in the hands of general practitioners. Collaboration with specialized centres significantly improves patient compliance and overall prognosis.

Keywords: osteoporosis, diagnosis, treatment, FRAX