Bone mass measurements - The case for selected screening?

Osteoporosis, a consequence of loss of bone mass, results in serious health and economic problems particularly fractures of the hip and spine. Fractures are, in the majority of cases. the result of low hone mineral density (BMD). Technology is now available that allows accurate and sensitive measurement of BMD. The state of the art technology is dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which, unfortunately, is not widely available 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 increased fracture risk are discussed. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.