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Osteoporosis in young adults: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management

Publication at First Faculty of Medicine |
2012

Abstract

True osteoporosis in the young can occur, which we define as BMD as a T-score below -2.5 at spine or hip in association with a chronic disease known to affect bone metabolism. In the absence of secondary causes, the presence of fragility fractures, such as in vertebrae, may point towards genetic or idiopathic osteoporosis.

In turn, treatment of the underlying condition may improve bone mass as well. In rare cases, a bone-specific treatment may be indicated, although evidence is scarce for a true benefit on fracture risk.