Bone mineral density testing: Is a T score enough to determine the screening interval?

Abstract

To find the rational intervals for bone mineral density screening, Gourlay et al (N Engl J Med 2012; 366:225-233) used T scores to calculate the time required for women age 67 and older with normal bone mineral density or osteopenia to progress to osteoporosis. They estimated that the screening interval for women with normal bone mineral density or mild osteopenia (T score -1.49 or higher) could be as long as 15 years. However, the investigators focused mainly on T scores and when these scores reached -2.5. In our opinion, the testing interval should be guided by an assessment of clinical risk factors and not just baseline T scores.