Risk Assessment Tools for Osteoporosis-Related Fractures

Osteoporosis is a prevalent and po- tential debilitating disease. Characterized by archi- tectural modifications in bone matrix, osteoporosis ultimatelyincreases the propensity forbones to frac- ture, especially at the hip and spine. Fortunately, osteoporosis can be treated effectively if detected at an early stage. While recognizing an increased risk offracture inwomen with osteoporosis, mostcases of fracture occur in women with osteopenia orlowbone mass. A good fracture risk assessment tool would be more clinically meaningful than an accurate osteo-. porosis screening or diagnostic tool. Here we present a concise review ofthe existing modalities which may be utilized to screen for osteoporosis or predict risk of oteonorotic fractures.