Osteoporosis is a common condition that affects the elderly

population. It is caused by the increased frequency of fractures

due to the aging population. Other secondary causes of

vertebral fractures include osteomalacia, endocrinopathies,

and bone marrow alterations. In the absence of treatment,

secondary fractures are inevitable and treatments that can

decrease fracture risk by 50% should be strongly considered.

All individuals should receive calcium and vitamin D

supplementation. There is an array of medications for the

prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The most

prominently used are the bisphosphonates for their

antiresorptive effects and PTH for its anabolic effects. With an

increased awareness of the effectiveness of these treatment

modalities, coupled with the development of new therapies,

the clinician can play an important role in decreasing the

morbidity and mortality of osteoporosis.