Patients may be referred to the Metabolic Bone Centre for fracture risk assessment. All patients undergo a measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and hip, using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). They are also asked to complete a questionnaire which identifies information from their medical history which may affect their bone health.
Further investigations are performed depending on the individual’s DXA results and risk factors. These may include:
All the investigations are carried out at a single visit to the department. The assessment is then reported to the referring physician (with a copy to the patient’s GP in the case of secondary care referrals).
The individualised report contains a summary of the BMD results and the results of any further investigations, a clinical interpretation and management advice. This will include recommendations about treatment, lifestyle modification, further investigation and follow-up.
On the basis of the fracture risk assessment, approximately 5% of patients are identified as needing further investigation and this is carried out in the Metabolic Bone Clinics.
Common reasons for further investigation would be very severe osteoporosis or deterioration despite treatment.
We accept referrals from medical practitioners in primary or secondary care or other health professionals acting on behalf of a medical practitioner under an approved protocol (for further information please contact the department).
Individuals identified as being at increased risk of fracture using the FRAX R risk assessment tool may be referred as described in the guidance on the referral form, which can be found here.
