Private MD News

Study: more osteoporosis testing needed for women with broken bones

Category: Female Specific Tests

Osteoporosis is one of the most common health conditions in women, but a new survey has found that few of the women who are at the highest risk of breaking a bone due to the illness ever receive density testing or counseling about their condition.

The review, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, found that only a small number women who break a bone are tested for osteoporosis, despite the fact that this an indicator that there may be a problem.

"Less than 10 percent of patients who sustain a fracture receive information about osteoporosis treatment, yet these are the same group of patients who are at a very high risk for future hip, spine or wrist fractures," said lead author Evan F. Ekman.

Ekman added that women who are given information about managing osteoporosis to discuss with their primary care physicians generally see improved treatment rates.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation says that a history of broken bones is one of the leading risk factors associated with the disease.