Update on postmenopausal osteoporosis management.

One in two women has a fracture after the age of 50;1 most will be osteoporotic. Fracture incidence will probably increase as people live longer. After hip fracture there is 20% mortality within three months2 and increased disability, with >50% of people who previously walked unaided needing aids and >50% requiring help at home.3 Morbidity, disability and dependence increase progressively with increasing numbers of fractures.4 Managing osteoporotic fractures is costly: in the UK the annual direct and indirect costs amount to more than £1.73 billion.5