Bone mineral density scans in veterans

Abstract

Goals

Recent findings suggest the prevalence of osteoporosis among men is under-recognized. The patient population of the Veterans Health Administration (VA) is predominantly male and many elderly veterans may be at risk of osteoporosis. Given the lack of data on male osteoporosis, we provide initial insight into diagnostic procedures for patients at one VA medical center.

Procedures

A review and descriptive analysis of patients undergoing radiological evaluation for osteoporosis at one VA medical center.

Results

We identified 4,919 patients who had bone mineral density scans from 2001–2004. VA patients receiving bone mineral density scans were commonly white, male, over age 70 and taking medications with potential bone-loss side effects.

Conclusions

While further research is needed, preliminary evidence suggests that the VA screens the most vulnerable age groups in both genders. Heightened awareness among primary care providers of elderly male patients at risk of osteoporosis can lead to early intervention and improved management of this age-related condition.

Keywords:

• bone mineral density scans
• osteoporosis
• veterans

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration at the James A Haley VAMC’s Patient Safety Center of Inquiry in Tampa, Florida. The views expressed are the authors’ own and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The research was approved by the local Institutional Review Board. The authors wish to thank Dustin French, PhD and Jeff Harrow, MD, PhD for helpful comments and suggestions.