US Preventive Services Task Force Recommends Osteoporosis Screening for Women 65 and Older to Prevent Fractures

Osteoporotic fractures can lead to severe consequences, including psychological distress, subsequent fractures, loss of independence, a reduced ability to perform daily activities, and even death. The USPSTF's systematic review highlights the importance of identifying individuals at risk of these fractures to help reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with them.

The USPSTF has concluded with moderate certainty that screening for osteoporosis provides a moderate net benefit in preventing osteoporotic fractures in women 65 years and older. For postmenopausal women under the age of 65, the benefits are also moderate if they are at an increased risk for osteoporosis, as determined by a clinical risk assessment. These recommendations are based on a thorough evaluation of the available evidence regarding the harms and benefits of screening in these populations. However, the evidence concerning the balance of benefits and harms of screening for osteoporosis in men remains insufficient, and the USPSTF has stated that it cannot determine whether the benefits outweigh the harms for this group.

The findings highlight a significant difference in the prevalence of osteoporosis between men and women. According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, osteoporosis affects 12.6% of individuals aged 50 or older in the USA, with the prevalence being significantly higher in women (19.6%) compared to men (4.4%). Among individuals aged 65 and older, the prevalence increases to 27.1% in women and 5.7% in men. Despite the lower overall prevalence in men, osteoporosis and fragility fractures contribute to excess mortality in men compared to women.

In clinical practice, it is important to identify those at risk of osteoporotic fractures early on, as osteoporosis can go undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. The USPSTF recommends that women aged 65 and older, as well as postmenopausal women at increased risk, undergo screening for osteoporosis. Those found to have osteoporosis should be further evaluated, counseled, and, if appropriate, managed with evidence-based interventions to prevent fractures.

While the screening guidelines emphasize women, it is worth noting that osteoporosis and fragility fractures in men share similar risk factors, including advanced age, low body mass index (BMI), excessive alcohol use, smoking, chronic corticosteroid use, prior fractures, falls, and certain medical conditions such as hypogonadism and diabetes. Despite the evidence on the potential for harm from screening in men being limited, it is clear that clinical decision-making should carefully consider the individual risks and benefits when screening this group. Current guidelines on osteoporosis screening in men vary, with some recommending it for men over 70 years, while others do not have clear guidelines or suggestions against it.

The updated USPSTF recommendation emphasizes the importance of timely screening, particularly for women at higher risk, to prevent the significant consequences of osteoporotic fractures and improve overall health outcomes.

Reference:

US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. Published online January 14, 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.27154