PIXI bone density screening for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

The aim of this study was to evaluate a pragmatic screening programme for osteoporosis based on the identification of known risk factors. A secondary aim was to assess the validity of peripheral instantaneous X-ray imager (PIXI) scanning against dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in women identified as having osteopenia.

A cross-sectional two stage screening programme. The study was carried out in 14 practices in Surrey. Women aged 60-80 years of age were screened with a questionnaire. Those identified with one or more risk factors were offered a PIXI scan of the ankle in their own surgery. Those with an intermediate score on PIXI scan were offered a DEXA scan of hip, spine and forearm.

Four thousand six hundred and forty-six women completed questionnaires, 2688 had a PIXI scan and 553 were found to be at high risk of osteoporosis. Multivariate analysis identified the three most important risk factors associated with increased risk of osteoporotic fracture as age, a previous fracture and the presence of a stooped posture. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was shown to be protective. Twenty three percent of women with an intermediate score on PIXI scan were found to have osteoporosis on DEXA scan of hip and spine.

PIXI scanning proved acceptable, practicable but only had moderate comparability with DEXA. The findings suggest that patients over the age of 60 years with a history of a fracture or evidence of spinal collapse are likely to have osteoporosis and should be offered screening. HRT past the menopause would seem to confer benefit and the recent reduction in its use may lead to increasing numbers of women suffering osteoporotic fractures.