[Screening for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Women with distal radius fractures should be evaluated for bone density]

In a case-control study at two country hospitals in Sweden, 110 consecutive postmenopausal women (age 50-75) with distal radius fracture were examined with the DXA-technique, on the injured radius, lumbar spine, and the right hip within three weeks after the fracture occurrence. Data was compared with 55 age-matched controls from The Swedish Population Register. The incidence of osteoporosis according to WHO's definition (T-score < -2.5) at any measurement site was higher in the fracture group, 44 per cent compared with 27 per cent in the control group. The fracture group had 12 per cent lower bone mineral density in the distal radius compared with the control group. A higher rate of previous fractures was noted in the fracture group compared with the control group. The study reflects the situation in general health care, where osteoporosis is common in postmenopausal women with distal radius fracture. This patient group can easily be identified and is suitable to be diagnosed for osteoporosis using bone density measurement prior to a decision being reached with regard to any treatment. According to the guideline for medical treatment (T-score < -2.0 and fragile-fracture) as outlined by the Swedish Osteoporosis Society, 75 per cent of postmenopausal patients with forearm fracture should be considered for such treatment.