Bone Density Risk Calculator
Tally common clinical risk factors for low bone density and osteoporosis to see whether a bone scan discussion is warranted.
How it works
count clinical risk factors (0–7) · a prior fragility fracture or long-term oral steroids counts as a strong single flag · higher count → discuss a DXA scan
Osteoporosis is often silent until a bone breaks, so screening relies on known risk factors. The strongest include older age, being female and postmenopausal, a previous fracture from a minor fall, a parent's hip fracture, current smoking, long-term oral steroid use and low body weight — many of the same inputs used by formal tools like FRAX. This tally is a simplified prompt, not a FRAX score or a diagnosis; a bone-density (DXA) scan is the actual test, and guidelines recommend it for women 65 and older, younger postmenopausal women with risk factors, and anyone with a fragility fracture.
Worked example
A 68-year-old woman who broke her wrist in a minor fall has three risk factors — age 65+, female and a prior fragility fracture — landing in the High band, with the fracture alone being a strong reason to discuss a DXA scan.
Frequently asked questions
Does this replace a bone-density scan?
No. It only flags whether your risk factors make a scan worth discussing. A DXA scan measures bone mineral density and gives the T-score used to diagnose osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Who should get a bone-density scan?
Guidelines generally recommend DXA for women aged 65 and older, postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors, and anyone who has had a fragility fracture. Your clinician decides based on your full profile.
How can I protect my bones?
Weight-bearing and resistance exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and treating conditions or medications that weaken bone all help.
Related calculators
Educational estimate only — not a medical diagnosis or a substitute for professional assessment. Screening scores and reference values are population tools; they cannot judge your individual health. Discuss any concerns with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.