How often are bone density scans performed?

From the Guidelines

Bone density scans should be performed at intervals of at least 2 years to reliably measure changes in bone mineral density. This recommendation is based on the limitations in the precision of testing, as noted in a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1. The yield of repeated screening will be higher in older women, those with lower bone mineral density at baseline, and those with other risk factors for fracture.

When considering the frequency of bone density scans, several factors come into play, including:

• Age: Older women, particularly those over 65, may require more frequent screening due to the higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Baseline bone mineral density: Individuals with lower bone mineral density at baseline may need more frequent monitoring to assess the progression of bone loss.
• Risk factors for fracture: The presence of risk factors such as previous fractures, family history of osteoporosis, or the use of medications that affect bone health (like steroids) may necessitate more frequent scans.
• Treatment monitoring: For those undergoing treatment for osteoporosis, scans may be recommended at intervals of 1-2 years to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

It's essential to note that the frequency of bone density scans should be individualized based on a person's specific risk factors, medical history, and previous scan results, as determined by their healthcare provider. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and other professional organizations have issued guidelines recommending bone density testing for postmenopausal women and younger women with risk factors, but the optimal screening interval may vary depending on the individual's circumstances, as discussed in the study 1.

From the Research

Bone Density Scan Frequency

The frequency of bone density scans is a topic of interest in the medical field, particularly in the context of osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment.

• According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine 2, the estimated bone density testing interval is approximately 16.8 years for women with normal bone density, 17.3 years for women with mild osteopenia, 4.7 years for women with moderate osteopenia, and 1.1 years for women with advanced osteopenia.
• Another study published in Current Osteoporosis Reports 3 suggests that the frequency of re-screening should be based on age and bone mineral density (BMD) T score, with more frequent testing for older age and lower T score.
• A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine 4 found that a second BMD assessment approximately 3 years after the initial measurement was not associated with improved discrimination between women who did and did not experience subsequent hip fracture or major osteoporotic fracture beyond the baseline BMD value alone.

Factors Influencing Scan Frequency

Several factors can influence the frequency of bone density scans, including:

• Age: Older adults may require more frequent scans due to the increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures 3.
• BMD T score: Individuals with lower T scores may require more frequent scans to monitor changes in bone density 3.
• Osteoporosis treatment: Patients undergoing treatment for osteoporosis may require more frequent scans to monitor the effectiveness of treatment 5.
• Risk factors: Individuals with risk factors for fractures, such as a history of fractures or family history of osteoporosis, may require more frequent scans 3.