Impact on the Population of Different Bone Mineral Density Testing Criteria and Appropriateness of Densitometries in the ESOSVAL Cohort, Spain

Context: There is little consensus regarding which individuals should be recommended for bone mineral density (BMD) testing, a situation that could eventually affect the appropriateness of routine clinical practice. Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the impact on the population of the application of the BMD testing criteria provided by the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG), National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), and Osteoporosis Canada and to assess the appropriateness of the BMD tests currently performed. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the baseline data of the ESOSVAL cohort. Participants: Participants included 11 035 men and women aged 50 years old and over attending primary health care centers in the Valencia region, Spain (2009–2010). Main Outcome and Measures: BMD testing by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was recorded. Results: Of the 10 710 people included in the study, 1617 (15.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.4–15.8) received a BMD test. When ...