Bone Density Testing in Older Men Is Worthwhile

Old men fall and fracture their hips too often. The numbers could be reduced, given that there is a good, relatively simple, way to assess the bone density and a selection of drugs (bisphosphonates) to address a low bone density. The practicality of this has been demonstrated for women over 65, and now a computer simulation, using data from white men found to have osteoporosis and treated with bisphosphonates. The findings are published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Hypothetical groups of men were formed, according to age and the presence or absence of previous fractures. The computer simulation determined the probable lifetime costs per year (adjusted for life-quality factors – e.g. a full year without any disability would be “1” year, a year on crutches might be “1/2” year) for the different groups. It was found that bone densitometry followed by bisphosphonate therapy for those with osteoporosis for men over 65 with a prior fracture, or for men aged 80 to 85 with no prior fracture, would be cost-effective. If bisphosphonate costs can be kept below $500 a year it might be cost effective for men as young as 70 without a prior fracture.

I hope the above explains what was done and how it came out. My bottom line: Men: have your bone density measured every couple of years from 70 onwards, and if you have osteoporosis (score 2.5 or less at the femoral neck) find a cheap but effective bisphosphonate and take it regularly. The cheaper ones have to be taken daily, but more expensive forms include once a week, once a month, and even once a year (by injection!).