Prevention of osteoporotic fracture: from skeletal and non-skeletal perspectives

Abstract With the global population aging, especially in China, prevention and management of osteoporotic fragility fractures has become increasingly important. Bone mineral density (BMD) is an important index fracture risk, which aroutine measurement inclinical practice thus formed cornerstone monitoring treatment efficacy osteoporosis. In past 30 years, several pharmacologic therapies have been developed to increase BMD reduce fractures, vertebral fractures. However, nonvertebral hip remains challenging as low only one multi-factors for these conditions. Hip mainly result from a fall its incidence higher frigid zone due temperature affecting neuromuscular function high latitude with less sunlight, conditions rendering active vitamin D conversion, apart increased falling. this paper, we focus on two therapeutic strategies targeting both skeletal non-skeletal factors, that is, Tai Chi (TC) exercise improving balance “kidney-tonifying” traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) against muscle atrophy. TC mind-body potential effective safe intervention preventing fall-related elderly. This makes it promising feasible physical activity elderly prevent Several TCM formula popular northeast China within are also introduced. They reportedly maintaining or strength reducing fracture. more rationally designed vigorous basic investigations prospective clinical trials highly desired validate consolidate preliminary observations future.