Can Bone Density Testing Predict Fracture Risk?
Bone Density Testing plays a critical role in assessing an individual’s risk of fractures, although it is not a perfect predictor. A lower bone density score, particularly a T-score of -2.5 or lower, indicates that a person’s bones are weaker and more susceptible to breaking. However, bone density alone does not account for all factors that contribute to fracture risk. Other elements, such as the individual’s age, gender, medical history, lifestyle choices, and previous fractures, also play a role in fracture risk assessment. While a low bone density score increases the likelihood of fractures, individuals with normal bone density can still suffer fractures if other risk factors are present, such as falls, poor balance, or certain medical conditions.
Healthcare providers often use a combination of bone density testing and clinical risk factors to assess overall fracture risk. This may include tools such as the FRAX® tool, which calculates a person’s 10-year probability of having a major osteoporotic fracture based on various risk factors. By incorporating these assessments, doctors can create a more accurate picture of a person’s fracture risk and take appropriate preventive measures. Bone density testing, while an important part of this process, is only one aspect of a comprehensive approach to managing bone health and reducing the risk of fractures.
