Fragility fractures are a major health care burden, particularly in the setting of an aging population, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Reducing fragility fractures is dependent on determining an individual’s fracture risk. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) assessment is a key component in fracture risk models, but current models also incorporate clinical risk factors, including prior fragility fractures. In this virtual lecture, the presenter describes the clinical burden of fragility fractures, addresses which fractures are considered fragility fractures and presents models used to determine future fracture risk, including the importance of BMD and the role of the BMD technologist.
This lecture has been reviewed and endorsed by the ISCD Canadian Panel.