Velocity and BUA provide quantitative information on ultra­sound interaction with the medium; it is currently accepted that QUS parameters are not only influenced by bone density, but also by bone structure. Theory suggests that BUA is deter­mined by bone density and bone microarchitecture, while SOS is influenced by the elasticity of bone as well as [...]

Introduction The measurement of bone density has became an established method to determine the skeletal status for diagnosis and treat­ment of osteoporosis. Diagnosis of osteoporosis today is based mainly on this measurement since bone density at vari­ous anatomic sites has been found to be strongly associated with future fractures. However, both epidemiological and interventional investigations [...]

Alendronate. Alendronate is available for the treatment of Paget’s disease in most western countries (Fosamax 40). The recommended dose is 40 mg daily for 6 months to be taken with a large glass of water (>200 ml) on getting up in the morn­ing after an overnight fast. The patient is instructed not to take anything [...]

Bisphosphonates are currently regarded as the treatment of choice and the only realistic therapeutic option, but in the near future other therapies (for example, anti-RANKL agents) may become available. Here we discuss the individual compounds, considering the evidence of their efficacy and the most com­monly used therapeutic regimens. With the sole exception of etidronate, the [...]

The primary objective of Paget’s disease treatment is the relief of symptoms, and the new bisphosphonates are the agents most likely to relieve the aches and pain, excessive warmth over affected bone, headache due to skull involvement, low- back pain secondary to pagetic vertebral changes, and effects of nerve compression associated with the condition. Even [...]

Introduction The treatment of Paget’s disease of bone (Paget’s disease) is based on the use of agents capable of suppressing the abnor­mal activity of pagetic osteoclasts. Paget’s disease was an un- treatable condition until the mid-1970s when calcitonin became available and was registered in most countries for the treatment of the disease. Calcitonin was administered [...]