Update on denosumab in postmenopausal osteoporosis--recent clinical data.

Denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against the key osteoclastogenic factor RANK ligand, is currently approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Denosumab differs from bisphosphonates in many aspects, for example, its ability to act in the extracellular compartment and its likelihood to be distributed throughout the skeleton. In contrast, bisphosphonates have to be internalized by osteoclasts and are mainly located across bone surfaces.

[Austrian guidance for the pharmacologic treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: Addendum 2010].

The Austrian Society for Bone and Mineral Research routinely publishes evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The fully human monoclonal antibody denosumab (Prolia(®)) has been recently approved by the European Medical Agency (EMEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Denosumab has been shown to reduce vertebral, non-vertebral,and hip-fracture risk effectively.

The role of exercise in the treatment of osteoporosis.

The objective of exercise in the treatment of osteoporosis is to improve axial stability through improvement of muscle strength. Therefore, a back extension exercise program specific to one's musculoskeletal competence and pain can be performed in a sitting position and later advanced to the prone position. When fragility is resolved, back extension is performed against resistance applied to the upper back.

[Austrian guidance for the pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women--update 2009].

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by diminished bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, leading to increased fragility and subsequent increased fracture risk. Therapeutic measures therefore aim at reducing individual fracture risk. In Austria, the following drugs, all of which have been proven to reduce fracture risk, are currently registered for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: alendronate, risedronate, etidronate, ibandronate, raloxifene, teriparatide (1-34 PTH), 1-84 PTH, strontium ranelate and salmon calcitonin.

Musculoskeletal rehabilitation in osteoporosis: a review.

Measures of musculoskeletal rehabilitation play an integral part in the management of patients with increased fracture risk because of osteoporosis or extraskeletal risk factors. This article delineates current scientific evidence concerning nonpharmacologic approaches that are used in conjunction with pharmacotherapy for prevention and management of osteoporosis. Fractures caused by osteoporotic fragility may be prevented with multidisciplinary intervention programs, including education, environmental modifications, aids, and implementation of individually tailored exercise programs, which are proved to reduce falls and fall-related injuries.