Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Women

Risk stratify women for likelihood of osteoporosis

About

The osteoporosis self-assessment tool (OST)1 in women is a simple formula that predicts risk of osteoporosis for the patient based solely on current weight and age. Bone health is primarily determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning after women have been screened for possible disease. The original study that derived the OST score studied Asian women and had a 91% sensitivity and 45% specificity for identifying patients who would later be osteoporotic on DXA scanning. There have subsequently been multiple studies, validations, and other risk stratification tools made available to best identify patients who should undergo DXA; however, OST has been widely utilized for its simplicity.2
This is a rapid and useful bedside tool to help trigger further investigation into bone health for patients with an increased risk profile. The ranges here are based on the original derivation study, and notably other ranges have been proposed for the OST score itself depending on which demographic of women was studied.

A score is derived through:

OST = [weight (kg) - age (years)] divided by 5

OST Scores:


  • -20 to -4 are HIGH RISK
  • -4 to -1 are MODERATE RISK
  • -1 to 20 are LOW RISK

References

Koh L, Sedrine W, Torralba T, et al.

2001(12)699-705

The Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Women calculator is created by QxMD.

By using this site you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to be bound by our terms of use and privacy policy. All content and tools are for educational use only, are not meant to be a substitute for professional advice and should not be used for medical diagnosis and/or medical treatment.

1. Weight?

0/2 completed