RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Recent advances in the pathogenesis and treatment of osteoporosis JF Clinical Medicine JO Clin Med FD Royal College of Physicians SP s92 OP s96 DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.15-6-s92 VO 15 IS Suppl 6 A1 Elizabeth M Curtis A1 Rebecca J Moon A1 Elaine M Dennison A1 Nicholas C Harvey A1 Cyrus Cooper YR 2015 UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/15/Suppl_6/s92.abstract AB Over recent decades, the perception of osteoporosis has changed from that of an inevitable consequence of ageing, to that of a well characterised and treatable chronic non-communicable disease, with major impacts on individuals, healthcare systems and societies. Characterisation of its pathophysiology from the hierarchical structure of bone and the role of its cell population, development of effective strategies for the identification of those most appropriate for treatment, and an increasing armamentarium of efficacious pharmacological therapies, have underpinned this evolution. Despite this marked progress, individuals who experience a fragility fracture remain under-treated in many areas of the world, and there is substantial need for investment both in secondary and primary prevention globally. In this brief article, we give an overview of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, and summarise current and future approaches to its assessment and ­treatment.