Risk assessment tools for osteoporosis-related fractures

Osteoporosis is a prevalent and potential debilitating disease. Characterized by architectural modifications in bone matrix, osteoporosis ultimately increases the propensity for bones to fracture, especially at the hip and spine. Fortunately, osteoporosis can be treated effectively if detected at an early stage. While recognizing an increased risk offracture in women with osteoporosis, most cases of fracture occur in women with osteopenia or low bone mass. A good fracture risk assessment tool would be more clinically meaningful than an accurate osteoporosis screening or diagnostic tool. Here we present a concise review of the existing modalities which may be utilized to screen for osteoporosis or predict risk of osteoporotic fractures.