Repeat Bone Tests do not predict Fracture Risk

As we age, bones become less dense, increasing the risk of hip and other bone fractures.  Testing bone mineral density is one way physicians assess a patient’s fracture risk.  A new study examined whether repeating this test helps predict future fracture risk. “We found that the first dexa screening test did a good job of identifying individuals that were likely to go on and break a bone.”  Dr. Sarah Berry from the Institute for Aging and Research and co-authors examined 802 men and women, with an average age of 75, who were not currently being treated for osteoporosis.  Each underwent two scans about 4 years apart.  After the second scan they were followed for the occurrence of a broken bone.  “Repeating a second dexa screening test over four years doesn’t add a lot of information beyond the first screening test.” The study appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association.