Preliminary Results of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Community Bone Health Screening in Manir, Kuala Terengganu using Bone Densitometry Calcaneal Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) in Conjunction with Clinical Risk Factors

Abstract

I am writing to bring attention to the issue of fragility fractures in the growing aged population of Malaysia. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, up to 70% of people are at risk and underdiagnosed with osteoporosis. This is a significant public health concern that needs to be addressed. Central Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis, but unfortunately, not all populations have access to this facility. To address this issue, we used bone densitometry calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) with a fracture risk assessment tool (Frax-tool) to screen for bone health. This will allow for identification of population with low and high probability of osteoporotic fractures. A health screening was conducted in Manir, Kuala Terengganu during a two-day local public event.

Keywords

• letter to editor