(iv) Osteoporosis treatments and their effect on fracture healing

SummaryOsteoporosis causes an increased risk of fracture through decreased bone mineral density, disruption of bone microarchitecture and reduction in non-collagenous proteins. The effect of osteoporosis on the complex process of fracture healing in humans is not well understood, however there is laboratory evidence for reduced healing in the elderly. First line anti-resorptive therapies such as calcium, vitamin D and bisphosphonates appear, from laboratory studies, to have a neutral or positive effect on fracture healing. Newer anabolic therapies offer the possibility of positive effects on callus formation.