Advances in Osteoporosis Therapy: Focus on Osteoanabolic Agents, Secondary Fracture Prevention, and Perioperative Bone Health

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes recently published data and other developments around osteoanabolic osteoporosis therapies in patients with very high fracture risk, including those undergoing bone-related surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Two osteoanabolic agents, abaloparatide and romosozumab, were recently approved for treatment of patients with osteoporosis at high fracture risk. These agents, along with teriparatide, are valuable for primary and secondary fracture prevention. Orthopedic surgeons are well positioned to facilitate secondary fracture prevention via referrals to fracture liaison services or other bone health specialist colleagues. This review aims to help surgeons understand how to identify patients with sufficiently high fracture risk to warrant consideration of osteoanabolic therapy. Recent evidence around the perioperative use and potential benefits of osteoanabolic agents in fracture healing and other orthopedic settings (e.g., spinal fusion and arthroplasty) in individuals with osteoporosis is also discussed. SUMMARY: Osteoanabolic agents should be considered for patients with osteoporosis at very high fracture risk, including those with prior osteoporotic fractures and those with poor bone health who are undergoing bone-related surgery.