Osteoporosis: Etiology and Therapy

Abstract

The etiologic process involved in human osteoporosis (excluding that due to excessive adrenocorticoid excretion) is considered of the idiopathic variety. Studies with radioisotope labeling have indicated that most forms of osteoporosis may be considered a metabolic bone disease resulting in more destruction than formation of bone. Therapy is aimed toward eliminating pain, preventing vertebral fractures, and recalcifying the skeleton.