The outpatient pathway for osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases includes:
a) Specialist consultation. The specialist consultation has several parts, each aimed at assessing the many aspects of a patient with osteoporosis or other metabolic bone diseases. The data are collected using a computerised medical record. The consultation consists of the medical history, with assessment of dietary calcium intake through specific tests, identification of any risk factors for fracture, and the medical examination.
b) Laboratory tests. Measurement of bone turnover markers, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D is carried out in the laboratory of the Endocrinology I Unit of the Department of Endocrinology and Kidney. Routine blood chemistry tests and 24-hour urinary calcium can be done quickly at the central laboratory of the AOUP.
c) Bone densitometry and other targeted instrumental tests, such as morphometric examination of the spine. The Centre has two dual X-ray densitometers. The densitometers can assess bone density at the spine, femur and radius.
d) Setting up appropriate treatment, if necessary
e) Setting up short- and long-term follow-up