bone protection therapy
A pharmacological strategy—typically involving bisphosphonates, denosumab, or calcium and vitamin D supplementation—used in geriatric rehabilitation to reduce the risk of future osteoporotic fractures.
Full Definition
Bone protection therapy encompasses a range of pharmacological agents prescribed to patients at elevated risk of osteoporotic fractures, including those who have already sustained a fragility fracture such as a hip or vertebral fracture. In geriatric rehabilitation, initiation or review of bone protection is a standard component of post-fracture care and is frequently documented in orthogeriatric and discharge medication reviews. Editors should note that 'bone protection' is the preferred umbrella term in UK clinical practice; 'anti-osteoporotic therapy' and 'osteoporosis treatment' are acceptable synonyms. The term is not hyphenated when used as a noun phrase but is hyphenated as an attributive adjective ('bone-protection review').
Usage
Usage note: No hyphen when used as a standalone noun phrase ('bone protection therapy'). Hyphenate as an attributive modifier ('bone-protection therapy review'). Do not substitute 'calcium tablets' or 'vitamin D' for this broader term, as these are components, not the full therapy.
In Context
- "Bone protection therapy with alendronic acid was commenced prior to discharge following the patient's second fragility fracture." — Discharge medication summary
- "The bone-protection review was documented as part of the orthogeriatric discharge checklist." — Orthogeriatric discharge checklist