Bone densitometry as a screening tool for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

This report provides general information about osteoporosis and describes the use of bone densitometry as a tool to screen for, diagnose and manage osteoporosis in white postmenopausal women. Discussion is limited to white women because of lack of research on osteoporosis in men, and in women of different racial and ethnic groups. The report does not evaluate the safety and efficacy of all bone densitometry devices, but focuses on the two diffusing most rapidly in Minnesota--dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease that affects approximately 24 million Americans. Of that number 33 percent are post-menopausal women who have decreased bone density due to lowered estrogen levels. Because the estimated cost of osteoporosis-related fractures in the United States is between $8 and $10 billion each year, there is great interest in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the disease. Of all related fractures, hip fractures pose the most serious health problem. The incidence of this fracture appears to be increasing, with 250,000 to 300,000 occurring each year Treatment options are limited, if a person's bone mass or density has deteriorated to the point where fractures may occur. Preventive measures should therefore be undertaken by all women early in life to decrease their risk of osteoporosis. Based on available evidence, the HTAC concludes that state-of-the-art bone densitometry is safe and indicated as a diagnostic and treatment aid for postmenopausal women at risk for the disease. However, bone densitometry is not indicated as a broad screening tool for all postmenopausal women, regardless of whether they are at risk for the disease.