Choosing the tool for osteoporosis risk prediction

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Gerontology
• Radiology

Background:

• Osteoporotic fractures pose a significant health challenge, particularly with an aging global population.
• Accurate fracture risk prediction is essential for timely intervention and prevention strategies.
• Novel assessment tools are continuously being developed to improve predictive accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in clinical, biochemical, and imaging modalities for fracture risk prediction.
• To summarize the utility of Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived tools and other emerging techniques.
• To provide an overview of current and potential future methods for assessing fracture risk.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on fracture risk prediction tools.
• Synthesis of information on clinical strategies, DXA-based methods, imaging techniques, and biochemical markers.
• Evaluation of the current and potential applications of various assessment tools.

Main Results:

• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and clinical fracture risk prediction tools are currently preferred methods.
• Clinical fracture risk assessment can be utilized independently when DXA is inaccessible.
• Emerging tools like trabecular bone score, quantitative ultrasound, and bone turnover markers show promise.

Conclusions:

• DXA and established clinical risk tools are primary for fracture risk assessment.
• Clinical risk prediction alone is a viable alternative if DXA is unavailable.
• Further research on emerging tools will likely enhance individualized fracture risk management and clinical decision-making.