Controversies in osteoporosis – are we treating bone density or preventing fractures?

Autori:

Ivana Kraljević, Anela Novak

Sažetak
Osteoporoza je značajan javnozdravstveni problem povezan s povećanim rizikom od prijeloma, osobito u starijoj populaciji. Dosadašnje strategije prevencije prijeloma temeljile su se na pretpostavci da je denzitometrijski utvrđena niska mineralna gustoća kosti (BMD) koja zadovoljava kriterije Svjetske zdravstvene organizacije (WHO) za postavljanje dijagnoze osteoporoze glavni uzrok prijeloma, te se primarno farmakoterapijom koja dovodi do porasta BMD-a nastojalo smanjiti rizik od prijeloma. Takav pristup preusmjerava fokus s ukupnog rizika prijeloma na samu mineralnu gustoću kosti, zanemarujući druge ključne čimbenike koji određuju čvrstoću i otpornost kosti. Procjena rizika prijeloma stoga zahtijeva širi pristup koji uključuje ne samo BMD, nego i kvalitetu kosti, FRAX alat, trabekularni indeks kosti (TBS), sklonost padovima i povijest prijeloma. Prevencija prijeloma obuhvaća ne samo farmakološke mjere, već i optimizaciju prehrane, adekvatan unos kalcija, vitamina D i proteina, te redovitu tjelesnu aktivnost i smanjenje rizika od padova. Antiresorptivni lijekovi (bisfosfonati, denosumab) i anabolički lijekovi (teriparatid) učinkoviti su, ali njihova dugotrajna primjena zahtijeva pažljivu reevaluaciju zbog mogućih nuspojava. Koncept depreskripcije, osobito kod starijih i nepokretnih osoba, naglašava racionalnu i individualiziranu terapiju. Cilj liječenja osteoporoze nije samo povećanje BMD-a, već smanjenje ukupnog rizika prijeloma kroz integrirani pristup koji uključuje procjenu rizika, prevenciju padova i prilagođeno farmakološko liječenje.
Summary

Osteoporosis is a significant public health issue associated with increased fracture risk, particularly in the aging population. Earlier strategies for fracture prevention were largely based on the assumption that fractures are primarily caused by low bone mineral density (BMD) fulfilling the World Health Organization (WHO) densitometric criteria for osteoporosis, and that pharmacological treatment aimed at increasing BMD would consequently reduce fracture risk. This approach shifts the focus from overall fracture risk to BMD alone, overlooking other key determinants of bone strength and resistance. Therefore, fracture risk assessment requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates not only BMD but also bone quality, the FRAX tool, trabecular bone score (TBS), fall
risk, and a history of prior fractures. Fracture prevention should not rely solely on pharmacotherapy, but also include nutritional optimization, adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, as well as regular physical activity and fall prevention strategies. Antiresorptive agents (bisphosphonates, denosumab) and anabolic drugs (teriparatide) are effective but require periodic re-evaluation due to potential long-term adverse effects. The concept of deprescribing, particularly in frail or immobile older adults, emphasizes rational, individualized treatment decisions. The goal of osteoporosis management is not merely to increase BMD but to reduce overall fracture risk through an integrated approach combining risk assessment, fall prevention, and tailored pharmacologic therapy.

Volumen: 1-2, 2026

Liječ Vjesn 2026;148:29–37

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