The Belgian Bone Club 2020 guidelines for the management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Abstract

The Belgian Bone Club 2020 guidelines for the management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women Summary: Updated evidence-based guidance is provided for the screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in Belgium.

The role of radiography in the study of spinal disorders

“…The detection of OVF in women suggests that the patient's bone strength is compromised, and the risk of future fracture is substantially increased, both for further OVFs and non-vertebral fragility fractures including the hip (39)(40)(41)(42)(43). OVFs can be associated with decreased trunk extension torque, spinal motion, functional reach, mobility skills and walking distance, and may also influence mortality because of their association with chronic back pain, immobility and postural change (38,41,43). Multiple and more severe grades of OVFs are associated with an even greater fracture risk (41)(42)(43).…”

“…OVFs can be associated with decreased trunk extension torque, spinal motion, functional reach, mobility skills and walking distance, and may also influence mortality because of their association with chronic back pain, immobility and postural change (38,41,43). Multiple and more severe grades of OVFs are associated with an even greater fracture risk (41)(42)(43). Hip fractures have highly detrimental and very costly individual and social repercussions, and in women over 55 years and older, they are responsible for more hospitalisations than heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer combined (44).…”

“…Nonpharmacologic approaches to manage osteoporosis, including adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and physical activity, can positively affect bone mass. Coupled with preventing falls and limiting modifiable risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol use, these measures can help reduce the risk for osteoporotic fractures (41,43).…”

Improving osteoporotic vertebral deformity detection on chest frontal view radiograph by adjusted X-ray beam positioning

“…Osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) has high prevalence in elderly women population. The detection of OVF in women suggests that the patient’s bone strength is compromised, and the risk of future fracture is substantially increased, both for further OVF and non-vertebral fragility fracture including the hip [ [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] ]. OVFs can be associated with decreases in trunk extension torque, spinal motion, functional reach, mobility skills and walking distance, and may also influence mortality because their association with chronic back pain, immobility and postural change [ 1 ].…”

“…Despite its importance, many patients with OVF and at high risk for further fracture remain undetected and untreated. Many guidelines suggest women with age ≥60 or ≥65 years should have osteoporosis screening [ [8] , [10] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] ]. However, this measure is still not commonly taken by individuals.…”