Screening to Prevent Osteoporotic Fractures

Abstract

Background: The literature review on screening to prevent osteoporotic fractures illustrates a significant evolution in understanding and implementing effective screening strategies for at-risk populations. Literature Review: The subsequent articles build upon this foundation, with (Shepstone et al., 2018) demonstrating the utility of integrating clinical risk factors with bone mineral density (BMD) measurements to enhance fracture risk prediction. This multifaceted approach is echoed in the findings of (Subramaniam et al., 2018), which reviews the effectiveness of the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST) as a preliminary screening method, highlighting its practicality in various demographic settings. The emphasis on early diagnosis and intervention is underscored by (Gates et al., 2019), who advocates for a systematic approach to screening that targets asymptomatic individuals at increased risk of fractures. The literature also addresses the effectiveness of in-hospital screening, as explored by (Malaise et al., 2020), which reveals a higher detection rate of osteoporosis in hospitalized patients compared to outpatient settings. This finding suggests that healthcare systems may benefit from integrating routine DEXA screenings in hospital environments. Furthermore, (Chotiyarnwong et al., 2022) emphasizes the necessity of addressing the treatment gap in osteoporosis management among primary care providers, advocating for systematic screening programs to improve awareness and intervention strategies for postmenopausal women. Lastly, (Gates et al., 2023) calls for updated algorithms that incorporate broader clinical risk factors alongside traditional BMD measurements to enhance the efficacy of screening and treatment strategies. Conclusion: In conclusion, the literature collectively underscores the imperative for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to osteoporosis screening that incorporates a range of risk factors tailored to diverse populations. The ongoing discourse reflects a shift toward proactive screening measures aimed at reducing the burden of osteoporotic fractures, ultimately promoting better health outcomes across various demographics.