Question:

60 year old elderly female with previous h/o Colles fracture is complaining of backache. Which of the given statements is wrong in relation to treatment of this patient?

Show Hint

Recall the correct sequence of osteoporosis pharmacotherapy -- which drug class is first-line and which is reserved for refractory cases.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Teriparatide should be started before supplementing bisphosphonates
  • Bisphosphonates not given for more than a year
  • Calcium requirement is 1200 mg per day
  • Oral Vit D3 given along with oral calcium
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the clinical context. A 60-year-old postmenopausal female with a prior Colles fracture (fragility fracture of the wrist) and backache almost certainly has osteoporosis. The question asks which statement about treatment is wrong.

Step 2: Evaluate each option.

Option A (the wrong statement): Teriparatide should be started before bisphosphonates. This is INCORRECT. The correct treatment sequence is: bisphosphonates are used FIRST as first-line antiresorptive therapy for osteoporosis. Teriparatide (recombinant PTH 1-34) is an anabolic agent reserved for severe osteoporosis or when bisphosphonates fail or are contraindicated. Antiresorptive agents (bisphosphonates) are started first; teriparatide comes AFTER, not before.

Option B: Bisphosphonates not given for more than a year. Partially correct in context -- bisphosphonate holidays are recommended after 3-5 years of use to reduce risk of atypical fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw. However, in severe osteoporosis, longer use may be warranted. The statement is an oversimplification but the question identifies Option A as the clearly wrong statement.

Option C: Calcium requirement is 1200 mg per day. CORRECT -- postmenopausal women require 1200 mg of elemental calcium per day for bone health (per NOF guidelines).

Option D: Oral Vit D3 given along with oral calcium. CORRECT -- vitamin D is always supplemented with calcium to ensure adequate calcium absorption. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the preferred form.

Step 3: Conclusion. The WRONG statement is A -- teriparatide is not started before bisphosphonates; bisphosphonates are first-line therapy.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0