Abstract
Low bone mass is necessary but not sufficient for osteoporosis and fracture. It is the major contributor to the risk of fracture in an individual patient, but other factors also come into play. These include age, previous fracture, family history of fracture, and frequency of falls. Thus, when a patient has a bone mass measurement that results in a value that is lower than expected for age, and/or compared with young normals, it should be assumed that the risk of fracture is increased in this patient and intervention should be considered. Interventions can include pharmacologic therapy to stabilize or increase bone mass, lifestyle changes to protect the fragile skeleton, and physical activities that increase muscle strength and improve balance.
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© 1998 Springer-Verlag London Limited
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Kleerekoper, M., Nelson, D.A. (1998). Differential Diagnosis: Low Bone Mass. In: Geusens, P. (eds) Osteoporosis in Clinical Practice. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3382-7_14
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3382-7_14
Publisher Name: Springer, London
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-76223-2
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