Diagnosis (Clinical Evaluation)

What is your name?

The following is NOT a risk factor for getting osteoporosis:

Feedback: Having a fracture in childhood can happen without it being a risk factor for osteoporosis. We refer to a low trauma or fragility fractures as a "fall from a standing height" in adults after age 45 as significant risk factor for more fractures.

What is the test used to diagnose osteoporosis?

Feedback: The only test above that is for DIAGNOSIS is the DXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). X-rays can show fractures, but a DXA provides measurement of bone density that is used for diagnosis.

What are the United States Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for bone mineral density testing?

Feedback: It is not indicated for men to get a DXA until age 70, unless there are complications that could be causing extreme bone loss.

What T-score represents normal bone density?

Feedback: The range for normal bone density is -1.0 and higher.

There has to be at least a 40% bone loss before it will show up on a standard X-ray.

Feedback: X-rays are usually used to explore reasons for back pain and can diagnose spinal fractures.

What T -score represents osteoporosis?

Feedback: The range for osteoporosis is -2.5 and lower

What age group is included in the American Bone Health FORE Fracture Risk Calculator assessment?

Feedback: The FORE FRC is calculated for anyone over 45 years old. People on any medical treatment for osteoporosis or low bone density can take the assessment, but are told that their risk is lower than shows on the report because of their treatment.

What amount of height loss is significant and should raise a red flag about osteoporosis and possible compression fractures?

Feedback: As we age the discs in our back compress and can cause some height loss, but 11/2 inches is considered too much and could indicate a compression fracture. Encourage people to get their height measured annually!

How often do most experts agree that the average person with osteoporosis needs to have their bone density tested?

Feedback: Every 2 years is usually adequate. Exceptions include: 1) a patient is fracturing, 2) the patient has other medical issues that could put them at risk for further rapid bone loss; and 3) to monitor some bone treatments.