investigations

Last reviewed 07/2021

Investigations for osteoporosis depend on the severity of the disease, age at presentation and the presence or absence of fractures. They are directed towards:

• confirming the diagnosis and to rule out disease which may mimic osteoporosis (e.g. – osteomalacia, myeloma)
• identify the cause of osteoporosis and contributory factors
• assess the risk of subsequent fractures
• provide with the most appropriate measurement, so that the efficacy of therapy may be assessed in the future (1).

Reference:

• (1) National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG) 2010. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of osteporosis in postmenopausal women and men from the age of 50 years in the UK