Abstract
Guidance is provided in a European setting on the assessment and treatment of postmenopausal women with or at risk from osteoporosis.
Introduction The European Foundation for Osteoporosis and Bone disease (subsequently the International Osteoporosis Foundation) published guidelines for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in 1997. This manuscript updates these in a European setting.
Methods The following areas are reviewed: the role of bone mineral density measurement for the diagnosis of osteoporosis and assessment of fracture risk; general and pharmacological management of osteoporosis; monitoring of treatment; assessment of fracture risk; case finding strategies; investigation of patients; health economics of treatment.
Results and conclusions A platform is provided on which specific guidelines can be developed for national use.