Home / Health / Osteoporosis: Hidden Fractures Uncovered in Minutes
Osteoporosis: Hidden Fractures Uncovered in Minutes
13 Jan
Summary
- A brief spine check during bone scans can find fractures.
- This simple addition may reduce pain and disability for millions.
- Nearly three million people in England are affected by osteoporosis.
A routine bone scan could soon include a quick spine check to identify hidden fractures affecting millions. This recommended addition, from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), aims to reduce pain and disability for osteoporosis patients. The National Health Service (NHS) spending watchdog suggests incorporating this brief assessment into dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans for individuals over 50.
Osteoporosis, which weakens bones and increases fragility, affects nearly three million people in England. Spinal fractures are among the most common osteoporosis-related breaks and can signal future bone problems. Eric Power, interim director at Nice, stated that introducing vertebral fracture assessments during bone density scans will expedite necessary care for patients.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society estimates millions in the UK have undiagnosed spinal fractures. New draft guidance from Nice also proposes automatic DXA scans for those with multiple previous fractures from minor falls. This initiative is expected to improve quality of life and ensure efficient use of NHS resources by targeting care towards high-risk individuals.
