Osteoporosis.

Bone mass is determined primarily by genetic influences, but exogenous factors may also play a major role. The prevention of osteoporosis can start at childhood. Optimal achievement of peak bone mass during childhood and adolescence is important to minimize future fracture risk. Chronic inflammatory diseases can have a detrimental effect on bone mass through a variety of mechanisms. Different diagnostic methods for detecting osteoporosis (eg, dual x-ray absorptiometry, quantitative computed tomography, ultrasounds) are in use or under investigation. New treatment options are available; among these, the use of bisphosphonates seems to be the more promising approach.