By NOF, Washington, DC; Thursday, January 20, 2011

Following is a statement by the National Osteoporosis Foundation on Bone Mineral Density Testing

WASHINGTON, DC (January 20, 2011) — The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis. A detailed history and physical examination together with Bone Mineral Density (BMD) assessment and, where appropriate, the WHO 10-year estimated fracture probability are utilized to establish the individual patient’s fracture risk. The potential risks and benefits of all osteoporosis interventions should be reviewed with patients and the unique concerns and expectations of individual patients considered in any final therapeutic decision.

Utilizing any procedure to measure bone density is not indicated unless the results will influence the patient’s treatment decision. NOF recommends testing of all women age 65 and older. NOF also recommends testing of men age 70 and older. BMD measurement is not recommended in children or adolescents and is not routinely indicated in healthy young men or premenopausal women.

In accordance with NOF’s Clinician’s Guide, the following are NOF’s indications for BMD Testing:

  • Women age 65 and older and men age 70 and older, regardless of clinical risk factors
  • ­Younger postmenopausal women and men age 50 to 69 about whom you have concern based on their clinical risk factor profile
  • ­Women in the menopausal transition if there is a specific risk factor associated with increased fracture risk such as low body weight, prior low-trauma fracture or high risk medication
  • ­Adults who have a fracture after age 50
  • ­Adults with a condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) or taking a medication (e.g., glucocorticoids in a daily dose ≥ 5 mg prednisone or equivalent for ≥ three months) associated with low bone mass or bone loss
  • ­Anyone being considered for pharmacologic therapy for osteoporosis
  • ­Anyone being treated for osteoporosis, to monitor treatment effect
  • ­Anyone not receiving therapy in whom evidence of bone loss would lead to treatment
  • ­Postmenopausal women discontinuing estrogen should be considered for bone density testing

To view NOF’s Clinician’s Guide, please click here and to view NOF’s Bone Basics on Bone Mineral Density Testing, click here.

 

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