Modern Methods of Diagnosis of Osteoporosis, Advances in Treatment and Solutions to Existing Problems

Due to its severity, duration and progression, osteoporosis is considered a "silent" disease of the 21st century, posing a threat to public health. It mainly affects postmenopausal women and the elderly. An imbalance between resorption and bone formation is a sign of osteoporosis. It is diagnosed using densitometry and double radiography. Various aspects are taken into account in the treatment of this disease. On the other hand, pharmacological treatment approaches include the use of antiresorptive drugs, as well as new approaches to regenerative medicine, such as cell therapy and the use of bioactive hydrogels. However, non-pharmacological treatments require lifestyle changes, such as diet, physical activity, and giving up bad habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. This review examines the biology of bone tissue and existing methods of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, as well as new approaches. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and a fracture risk assessment tool are the most widely used methods. Since they have limitations, alternative technologies have been proposed. Here is an overview of the currently used and new approaches to the diagnosis of osteoporosis.