Usefulness of bone density measurement in fallers.

The objective of this systematic literature review is to discuss the latest French recommendation issued in 2012 that a fall within the past year should lead to bone mineral density (BMD) measurement using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This recommendation rests on four facts. First, osteoporosis and fall risk are the two leading risk factors for nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women.

2012 update of French guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Objectives: To update the evidence-based position statement published by the French National Authority for Health (HAS) in 2006 regarding the pharmacological treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, under the auspices of the French Society for Rheumatology and Groupe de Recherche et d'Information sur les Ostéoporoses (GRIO), and with the participation of several learned societies (Collège National des Gynécologues et Obstétriciens Français, Groupe d'Étude de la Ménopause et du Vieillissement hormonal, Société Française de Chirurgie Orthopédique, Société Française d'Endocrinologie, and Société Française de Gériatrie et de Gérontologie).

Methods: A multidisciplinary panel representing the spectrum of clinical specialties involved in managing patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis developed updated recommendations based on a systematic literature review conducted according to the method advocated by the HAS.

Results: The updated recommendations underline the need for osteoporosis pharmacotherapy in women with a history of severe osteoporotic fracture.