Recent progress in the prevention of osteoporosis. To screen or not to screen?

Screening can be defined as: "Early detection of an asymptomatic condition which might develop to a symptomatic disease if not detected and treated". The purpose of a screening programme for osteoporosis is to identify individuals at risk and consequently to intervene in order to prevent future fractures. The principles of a screening test were outlined by William and Jungner in a WHO publication from 1968 (1). The 10 principles are still valid.