Osteoporosis Risk Score Calculator

Screening for Low Bone Density and Osteoporosis Risk

Osteoporosis is a progressive skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased bone fragility. The Osteoporosis Risk Score Calculator incorporates validated clinical risk indices, including the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST), the Simple Calculated Osteoporosis Risk Estimation (SCORE), and the Male Osteoporosis Risk Estimation Score (MORES), to identify individuals who should undergo formal Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) screening.

Overview of Validated Clinical Screening Models

1. Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST)

The OST is a universal screening index developed to evaluate osteoporosis risk in women and men based on age and body weight:

$$\text{OST Score} = (\text{Weight in kg} - \text{Age in years}) \times 0.2$$

• Score > 1: Low risk for osteoporosis. Routine clinical wellness checks.
• Score -3 to 1: Moderate risk. Consider DXA testing based on secondary clinical factors.
• Score < -3: High risk. Formal bone density (DXA) testing is strongly recommended.

2. Simple Calculated Osteoporosis Risk Estimation (SCORE)

SCORE is specifically calibrated for postmenopausal women and combines demographic and lifestyle history factors:

• Non-Black Race: +5 points
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: +4 points
• History of Fragility Fractures (Post-45): +4 points per fracture (maximum 12 points)
• No History of Estrogen / HRT: +1 point
• Age Component: $+3 \times (\text{Age} / 10)$
• Weight Component: $-(\text{Weight in lbs} / 10)$

A total SCORE of 7 or higher identifies women with a high likelihood of osteopenia or osteoporosis who benefit from bone density testing.

3. Male Osteoporosis Risk Estimation Score (MORES)

MORES was developed specifically to detect men aged 50 and older at elevated risk of osteoporosis based on age, weight tiers, and a diagnosis of COPD. A score of 6 or higher warrants screening DXA evaluation.