The bottom line
Identify risk factors for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men over the age of 50 years. Bone mineral density screening is an important part of fracture prevention, and vertebral imaging should now be considered as a part of osteoporosis screening. Pharmacologic treatment can be considered when a nontraumatic fracture is apparent; if the T score is less than or equal to –2.5; or for individuals with an elevated 10-year fracture risk based on WHO model.
• Source: Clinician’s Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis. Washington, DC: National Osteoporosis Foundation; 2013.
Dr. Skolnik is associate director of the family medicine residency program at Abington (Pa.) Memorial Hospital and professor of family and community medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia. Dr. Charles is a second year resident in the Family Medicine Residency Program at Abington Memorial Hospital.