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.