Skip to main content
Log in

An Update on the Diagnosis and Assessment of Osteoporosis with Densitometry

  • Position Paper
  • Published:
Osteoporosis International Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract:

In 1994 the WHO proposed guidelines for the diagnosis of osteoporosis based on measurement of bone mineral density. They have been widely used for epidemiological studies, clinical research and for treatment strategies. Despite the widespread acceptance of the diagnostic criteria, several problems remain with their use. Uncertainties concern the optimal site for assessment, thresholds for men and diagnostic inaccuracies at different sites. In addition, the development of many new technologies to assess the amount or quality of bone poses problems in placing these new tools within a diagnostic and assessment setting. This review considers the recent literature that has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of diagnostic thresholds and their use in the assessment of fracture risk, and makes recommendations for actions to resolve these difficulties.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Consortia

Additional information

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kanis, J., Glüer, CC. & for the Committee of Scientific Advisors, International Osteoporosis Foundation. An Update on the Diagnosis and Assessment of Osteoporosis with Densitometry. Osteoporos Int 11, 192–202 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001980050281

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001980050281

Navigation