New discovery may help doctors spot patients at risk for osteoporosis

Many individuals who suffer from osteoporosis do not know they have the condition until they experience a broken bone. This is largely due to the fact that there are few early warning signs of the disease. However, failing to diagnose the condition early means a patient is unlikely to be given a prescription to buy Fosamax while there is still time to build healthy bone.

However, it may soon become easier for doctors to identify individuals who are at the greatest risk of osteoporosis. A team of researchers from the University of Montreal recently discovered a genetic abnormality that significantly increases an individual's chances of developing the condition.

The finding could lead to the development of a new test that identifies carriers of the genetic trait. Doctors may then be able to conduct further testing to determine for sure whether or not a patient has osteoporosis and advise them to buy Fosamax when necessary.

"This discovery will help identify individuals with a greater predisposition to the disease who could benefit from preventive measures," said Dr. Jean Vacher, who led the study.