[The treatment of osteoporosis (author's transl)].

Treatment for osteoporosis cannot yet be prescribed in a perfectly rational manner, as the total picture of the pathogenesis of this disease remains uncertain. Furthermore, lack of significant criteria makes it difficult to evaluate the different therapeutic methods proposed, and none of them appears to be entirely satisfactory. By acting methodically, however, one can obtain good relief of pain, quiescent osteoporotic activity over long periods, and bone remineralization. At the present time, preference has to be given to standard medications such as calcium, phosphorus, and anabolic proteins which are nearly always given in association. Calcium inhibits osteolysis by slowing down parathyroid secretion. Phosphorus accelerates calcium fixation in bone and appears to stimulate the formation of osteoblasts. Anabolic compounds protect the bone-forming framework and assist the deposition of mineral salts in the bones. The prescription of vitamin D is of value when there is a deficiency. Among recent medications which have been tried, only calcitonin appears to be of some practical value, by assisting inhibition of certain flare-ups and lytic episodes of the osteoporosis when associated with standard therapy.