Common Questions
Is routine screening for osteoporosis recommended for men?
The question of screening men for osteoporosis is not directly addressed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (1), though the last update was 2002. This is due in part to the lower burden of disease among men and a lifetime risk of fracture that is half that of women. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends screening men for osteoporoiss who are 70 years old and older, and for those aged 50-69 based on their risk profile for osteoporosis and fractures (2). The American College of Physicians recommends screening men with risk factors and are candidates for drug therapy (3).
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2nd Edition. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2002. Available online.
- National Osteoporosis Foundation. Clinician's guide to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. 2008. Available online.
- Qaseem A, Snow V, Shekelle P, Hopkins R Jr., Forciea MA, Owens DK for the Clinical Efficacy Assessment Subcommittee of the American College of Physicians.. Screening for Osteoporosis in Men: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med 2008; 148(9): 680-684.