Question

A 78-year-old woman with a history of vertebral fragility fracture is diagnosed with osteoporosis on bone mineral density testing (T-score -2.8 at the hip). She has no contraindications to therapy. What is the most appropriate first-line pharmacologic treatment?

Accepted Answer

Oral bisphosphonate therapy such as weekly alendronate plus calcium and vitamin D.

Answer

Calcium and vitamin D supplements alone.

Answer

Intranasal calcitonin alone.

Answer

Long-term systemic glucocorticoids.

Answer

No treatment is recommended if she takes regular exercise.

Practice question

A 78-year-old woman with a history of vertebral fragility fracture is diagnosed with osteoporosis on bone mineral density testing (T-score -2.8 at the hip). She has no contraindications to therapy. What is the most appropriate first-line pharmacologic treatment?