| [ Summary ] |
Since the proportion of elderly in the population is rapidly increasing, social interests are increasingly focused on osteoporosis (OP) and osteoporotic fractures, which are common causes of the elderly becoming bedridden. Because diminished bone density seems to be considerably difficult to recover, early diagnosis of OP is the most valuable preventive strategy for osteoporotic fractures. However, prediction of rapid bone loss or incidence of OP is still difficult. As a means of early detection of OP, various biochemical markers reflecting bone turnover have been implemented. In the present review, the utility and limitations of using various biochemical markers of bone turnover for early diagnosis of OP and osteoporotic fractures was assessed. |