Screening for Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Preventive Medicine
• Bone Health

Background:

• Osteoporosis affects millions over 50, leading to fractures, disability, and mortality.
• Osteoporotic fractures, especially hip fractures, significantly reduce quality of life and independence.
• The aging US population portends an increasing burden of preventable osteoporotic fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated recommendation on screening for osteoporosis.
• To review evidence on screening, risk assessment, and treatment efficacy for osteoporotic fractures.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of evidence on screening and treatment for osteoporotic fractures.
• Focused on postmenopausal women and older men without prior fractures or secondary causes of osteoporosis.
• Evaluated accuracy of bone measurement tests and clinical risk assessment tools.

Main Results:

• Bone measurement tests accurately detect osteoporosis and predict fractures in women and men.
• Clinical risk assessment tools moderately identify osteoporosis risk.
• Drug therapies effectively reduce fractures in postmenopausal women, but evidence for men is inadequate.

Conclusions:

• Screening with bone measurement testing is recommended for women aged 65+.
• Screening is recommended for postmenopausal women <65 at increased risk, identified by risk assessment.
• Insufficient evidence exists to recommend screening for men to prevent osteoporotic fractures.