New recommendations around the use of fracture risk assessment tools, the removal of strontium as a therapy and fracture risk terminology are among the key changes in the latest osteoporosis guidelines for GPs.
Released last week, the Osteoporosis management and fracture prevention in postmenopausal women and men over 50 years of age, 3rd edition, has been described as a significant update over the 2nd edition, which was published back in 2017.
Other key updates in the new edition include fresh advice on the risk of rebound vertebral fracture following denosumab cessation, the importance of calcium and vitamin D status and the use of osteoanabolic therapies.
Beyond that, a ‘special issues’ section addresses latest guidance on delayed dental healing and the management of bone health patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer or aromatase inhibitor treatment for breast cancer.
The guideline review committee was chaired by Healthy Bones Australia medical director Associate Professor Peter Wong, who said areas of osteoporosis management had evolved significantly since the second edition.
He said Healthy Bones Australia and the RACGP were committed to providing the most up-to-date advice for GPs and practice teams across Australia.
“Osteoporosis is a serious chronic disease which can lead to fractures. This new edition reflects latest peer reviewed evidence and focuses on optimal management of osteoporosis in the community,” he said.
“GPs have a range of effective solutions available to tackle this health issue and the new edition provides clear guidance and recommendations on pharmacological management, including use of osteoanabolic therapies, use of fracture risk assessment tools, and the importance of calcium and vitamin D status in patients.”