Osteoporosis has always been an important endocrinoiogic disorder. In the past decade or so it has grown in clinical importance owing to the newer therapeutic options available to prevent bone loss from either a primary or a secondary standpoint. This has also spurred an interest in basic and clinical research on the topic. In this issue we present articles that include selected topics of the disorder.While bisphosphonates have proven to be important therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis and prevention of fracture risk, they are not without side effects. These side effects include but perhaps are not limited to osteonecrosis of the jaw, esophageal cancer, and atrial fibrillation. Whether these side effects are off-target effects and specific to one or another of the bisphosphonates is debatable and, despite the side effects, the benefit-to-risk ratio is still strongly in favor of their widespread use. One question that is also debatable and discussed in the article by Drs Diab and Watts is the "holiday" period that has been introduced after a 5-year treatment period. The duration of the holiday period and resumption of treatment and for how long is unclear but should be considered by the practicing physician and the patient. This complex issue was the subject of an FDA report as well as articles in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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