A new study published in the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health revealed that it may be possible to detect people at risk of bone loss outside of the conventional screening age range by using chest x-rays opportunistically.

The primary method of osteoporosis screening is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, which measure bone mineral density. Typically, screening doesn't begin until age 65. In primary care settings, where DXA may not be easily accessible, individuals with osteoporosis risk and symptoms of bone demineralization may be identified by the opportunistic use of chest X-rays taken for other purposes.

Between May 1, 2021, and May 31, 2021, this research performed a cross-sectional assessment of the electronic medical records of patients aged 50 to 65 who under

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