Fast Five Quiz: Assessment of Fracture Risk in Osteoporosis

Figure 1. Bone densitometry X-ray of the hip.

Half of patients with hip fractures have a baseline BMD above the threshold of osteoporosis, defined as a T score of ≥ -2.5 SDs. This highlights a clear need for improvement in the identification of patients at risk for fracture.

However, there generally is a strong association between BMD and risk for hip, spine, and forearm fractures. Both men and women with a BMD of ≥ -2.5 generally should be treated for osteoporosis. Fracture risk increases as BMD decreases and is elevated in patients with osteopenia (T score between -1 and -2.5).

Learn more about BMD and fracture risk.

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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Herbert S. Diamond. Fast Five Quiz: Assessment of Fracture Risk in Osteoporosis - Medscape - Nov 23, 2020.