Context

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) related fractures are common, preventable and costly. Their prevention is a goal for healthcare agencies worldwide. Data to support screening of women are however weak and controversy surrounds whether to screen and, if so, at what age? The recommendation for, and justification of, resources for screening depends importantly on the cost-effectiveness of any screening method compared with alternatives including no screening.

The cost-effectiveness of screening needs to be considered within a complex landscape of medicosocial, financial and practical issues relevant to the healthcare system in which it operates. Accordingly, this analysis by Nayak et al is the most comprehensive attempt to date, to model the costs of screening for PMO.