• Charles Inderjeeth and Anabela Smeath.
• Area Rehabilitation and Aged Care, University of Western Australia. charles.inderjeeth@health.wa.gov.au
• Aust Fam Physician. 2010 Oct 1; 39 (10): 767-72.

BackgroundBone mineral density is presently the only reliable diagnostic test for osteoporosis.MethodsUsing quantitative questionnaires, general practitioners prospectively evaluated their own investigation and treatment of osteoporosis in patients aged more than 70 years.ResultsData 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).DiscussionBone 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.

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