Common Questions
What is the appropriate screening interval for osteoporosis?
This area has not been well studied and there are no organizations that recommend a specific screening frequency. The USPSTF does not recommend for or against repeated screening. It would be reasonable to check anywhere from 2-5 years depending on the previous DEXA results and development of new risk factors. If the previous DEXA showed osteopenia or the patient has new risk factors (e.g., smoking, 3 or more drinks/day) a DEXA should be repeated in about 2 years. A longer interval (5 years) should be considered in an individual with a normal bone density. The age at which screening should be discontinued is unclear.