Osteoporosis is a silent disease until a fracture is sustained, and successful management relies on the clinician's keen awareness of risk factors and screening technology, thorough assessment of disease probability, and knowledge of the most appropriate therapeutic interventions. This sixth edition of 'Fast Facts: Osteoporosis' covers all of the most recent developments in the therapeutic and diagnostic arena, while maintaining the background sections that clarify the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and the homeostatic determinants of peak bone acquisition and maintenance. This succinct yet comprehensive handbook highlights: * The significant improvements in diagnostic capability achieved through advances in imaging techniques including MRI and quantitative computed tomography * Improvements in risk assessment through the use of a new online algorithm, FRAX (R) * The most recent results of clinical trials for new and long-term therapies This new edition of 'Fast Facts: Osteoporosis' provides the family physician and other members of the healthcare team with the latest information for the successful management of this challenging condition. Contents: * Epidemiology * Pathophysiology * Clinical manifestations * Diagnostic techniques * Risk assessment * Management: general considerations * Antiresorptive therapy * Strontium ranelate and parathyroid hormone peptides * Other forms of osteoporosis * Future trends