Clinical evaluation for osteoporosis.

The clinical evaluation of the osteoporotic patient should include a careful assessment of risk factors for low bone mass, falls, and fractures; quantitation of BMD; a thorough medical history and physical examination; and a targeted set of laboratory, radiographic, and other diagnostic studies as indicated. Among the elderly, vitamin D deficiency ranks high as one of the most underdiagnosed and yet reversible causes of osteoporosis. Regardless of age, every patient with low bone mass or fractures deserves an evaluation to uncover reversible, treatable disorders and to detect serious underlying illnesses.