Osteoporosis screening to prevent fractures
Summary of the 2018 recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
This is an educational summary written for a portfolio project. Recommendations change; always confirm with the official source.
Who it applies to
Adults aged 40 and older without a known diagnosis of osteoporosis or a history of fragility fractures.
Recommendation
- Women aged 65 and older: screen for osteoporosis with bone measurement testing (grade B).
- Postmenopausal women younger than 65 who are at increased risk, as determined by a formal clinical risk assessment tool such as FRAX: screen with bone measurement testing (grade B).
- Men: the evidence is insufficient to assess screening (I statement).
Tests
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the hip and lumbar spine is the most commonly used test.
Notes
The Task Force has reviewed this topic again since 2018. Check the official page for the most recent wording.