Update on Screening for Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force expands clinical risk assessment in postmenopausal women younger than 65.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Target Audience: All clinicians

Background

The heavy clinical, functional, and economic burden of osteoporotic fractures, particularly hip fractures, caused the USPSTF to revisit its 2011 recommendation on screening for osteoporosis (Ann Intern Med 2011; 154:356). This guideline focuses on postmenopausal women without osteoporotic fractures or known risks for osteoporosis or falls.

Recommendations

Bone-density testing should be performed in older women (age, ≥65) to prevent osteoporotic fractures (B recommendation).
Younger postmenopausal women (age, <65) at high risk for osteoporosis based on traditional risk factors (i.e., smoking, excess alcohol use, low body weight) should …

Reviewing Author

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

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