BONE MASS MEASUREMENTS - THE CASE FOR SELECTED SCREENING

Osteoporosis, a consequence of loss of bone mass, results in serious h ealth and economic problems particularly fractures of the hip and spin e. Fractures are, in the majority of cases. the result of low hone min eral density (BMD). Technology is now available that allows accurate a nd sensitive measurement of BMD. The state of the art technology is du al x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which, unfortunately, is not widely ava ilable and is relatively expensive. BMD measurement by DXA is the most individually objective predictor of fracture risk and, therefore, may be a reasonable method for universal screening of women. The pros and cons of mass screening to identify women with low bone mass and incre ased fracture risk are discussed. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.