Chest X-rays could help detect osteoporosis in the elderly

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study shows that examining chest x-rays for fractures of the vertebrae might be a good way of screening for osteoporosis.
Previous research has suggested how up to 25 per cent of those aged 50 to 60 may have one or more osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures. Only 30 per cent of these actually come to medical attention while the rest may increase the risk of chronic ill health and further fractures in the future.

A team at the University of Alberta, Canada, looked at a sample of people older than 60 who had had a chest x-ray. They were able to look at the charts to see if a vertebral fracture had occurred. Sixteen per cent had had such a fracture, and only a quarter of these had a known history of osteoporosis. This represents a worrying under-diagnosis of the condition. Maybe the routine chest x-ray can be used to help pick up cases of osteoporosis in older people so that treatment can be started earlier.

Source
Archives of Internal Medicine 25th April 2005 Volume 165 pages 905-909

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.