Osteoporosis
- Define osteoporosis in terms of Bone Mineral Density criteria
- Identify risk factors for low bone mineral density, future fractures and falls
- Perform a relevant physical examination for assessment of a patient with low bone mass including height, weight, rib-pelvis distance and occiput-wall distance, and falls risk using the Get Up and Go test
- Order the appropriate biochemical tests in the initial work-up of a patient with low bone mass or osteoporosis
- Counsel patients on the recommended intake of calcium, vitamin D and relevant exercises for prevention and treatment of low bone mass
- Counsel patients on the pharmacological treatment options of Osteoporosis, how they are used and potential side effects
Core Resources
2010 - Clinical Guidelines - Quick Reference Guide
Osteoporosis Canada. Quick Reference Guide: 2010 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Osteoporosis in Canada. 2010. Available from http://www.osteoporosis.ca/
Supplemental Resources
cmaj - 2010 clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in canada
Papaioannou A, Morin S, Cheung AM, et al. 2010 clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in canada: Summary. CMAJ. 2010;182(17):1864-1873. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.100771 [doi].
Bisphosphonates - Benefits & Harms2014
Brown JP, Morin S, Leslie W, et al. Bisphosphonates for treatment of osteoporosis: Expected benefits, potential harms, and drug holidays. Canadian Family Physician. 2014;60(4):324-333.