24th July 2023

An 80-year-old lady presents to her GP with a 2-year history of back pain.

An 80-year-old lady presents to her GP with a 2-year history of back pain. Her family have also noted that she has become shorter in height over the last few years. Thoracic and lumbar spine X-rays show vertebral collapse in L1 and L2 in keeping with previous vertebral fractures. Malignancy has been excluded. She has a FRAX® score of 25%, and there are concerns that there may be a delay in arranging the appropriate gold standard investigations.

What medication/s should she be started on?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.