Bone Health Assessment

The osteoporosis self-assessment tool (OST) for women offers a straightforward method to predict osteoporosis risk based solely on weight and age. While bone health is typically evaluated through dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning after initial screening, this assessment tool provides a rapid and practical bedside tool to identify patients warranting further investigation.

Originally developed with a focus on Asian women, the OST demonstrated a 91% sensitivity and 45% specificity in predicting osteoporosis on DXA scans. Despite subsequent advancements in risk assessment tools, the OST remains widely utilized for its simplicity and effectiveness.

The scoring system is as follows:

OST = (Weight in kg - Age in years) / 5

Based on the score, the following risk categories are established:

• Scores ranging from -20 to -4 indicate HIGH RISK
• Scores from -4 to -1 denote MODERATE RISK
• Scores between -1 and 20 signify LOW RISK

This tool serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, prompting further evaluation for patients exhibiting an increased risk profile, ultimately aiding in the proactive management of bone health.

Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST)