Osteoporosis: diagnostic screening and its place in current care

Osteoporosis, or decreased total bone mass, results from a number of factors: accelerated trabecular bone loss in postmenopausal women; age-related loss of trabecular and cortical bone; and multiple chronic diseases and medications. Routine laboratory and radiographic tests are not helpful in assessing bone turnover. However, a ratio of urinary calcium to creatinine exceeding 0.16 on a spot urine sample obtained in the fasted state suggests high bone turnover. Both single and dual photon absorptiometry are useful research tools but are unproved screening tests, especially in light of the more frequent use of preventive measures, such as postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, calcium supplementation, and weight-bearing exercise.