2017: Distinguished Professor Ian Reid talks about Osteoporosis New Zealand's Guidance on Diagnosing and Managing Osteoporosis in New Zealand. Ian is a Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology at the University of Auckland and an international expert and research award winner in osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis New Zealand's Guidance on the Diagnosis and Management of Osteoporosis in New Zealand is a user-friendly and highly practical tool providing support to clinicians throughout the health system to deliver evidence-based practice for their patients who are at high risk of sustaining fragility fractures. As an expert panel member involved in the project, Ian shares the primary objectives for developing the guidance.




Key Points - Osteoporosis Guidance

Prevention


Maintain a healthy weight (BMI > 20) throughout life from a balanced diet
Safe, weight-bearing exercise
Don’t smoke, moderate alcohol intake 
Vitamin D in frail elderly and veiled women, for prevention of osteomalacia

Detection


Assess fracture risk in women in their 60s, using BMD and FRAX (or Garvan)
Assess fracture risk in all older people with fractures, or other risk factors (e.g. steroid use, family history, falls etc)

Management


Offer treatment when 10-year hip fracture risk is >3%
Oral or IV bisphosphonates are the first-line
Calcium from diet
Re-assess need for treatment at 4-5 years