Osteoporosis Screening in Older Women (OSW)

The percentage of women 65–75 years of age who received osteoporosis screening. 

Why it Matters

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease and is characterized by low bone mineral density and structural deterioration of bone tissue, causing bone fragility and increasing the risk of fractures ⁽¹⁾. An estimated 12.3 million people 50 and older have osteoporosis ⁽²⁾. Osteoporosis affects about 25% of women 65 years and older and about 5% of men 65 and older (3). Osteoporosis or low bone mass at the femur neck or lumbar spine increases with age. 

The USPSTF recommends screening for osteoporosis with bone measurement testing to prevent osteoporotic fractures in women 65 years and older ⁽³⁾. This is a B recommendation: The USPSTF recommends the service and there is moderate certainty for the net benefit of screening for osteoporosis. 

The USPSTF also recommends screening for osteoporosis with bone measurement testing to prevent osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women younger than 65 who are at increased risk of osteoporosis, as determined by a formal clinical risk assessment tool ⁽⁴⁾. 

Historical Results – National Averages