Bones beyond 70--insights into osteoporosis management in the elderly.
BACKGROUND
Bone mineral density is presently the only reliable diagnostic test for osteoporosis.


METHODS
Using quantitative questionnaires, general practitioners prospectively evaluated their own investigation and treatment of osteoporosis in patients aged more than 70 years.


RESULTS
Data are available for 114 GPs; 2850 patients (cycle 1) and 1710 patients (cycle 2). Of the 25.4% with a prior fracture, bone mineral density had been assessed in 55.5% (cycle 1) and 67.0% (cycle 2; p<0.05). Among patients with no documented prior fracture, bone mineral density had been assessed in 39.4% (cycle 1) and 56.9% (cycle 2; p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Bone mineral density is subsidised for all patients aged more than 70 years, yet GPs are more likely to request bone mineral density tests only among those who already have a fracture. General practitioner education on the role of bone mineral density testing among all patients aged 70 years or more is important as it influences initiation of appropriate osteoporosis treatment.
Inderjeeth
Charles
C
Area Rehabilitation and Aged Care, University of Western Australia. charles.inderjeeth@health.wa.gov.au
Smeath
Anabela
A
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001315:Australia; D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires