American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

At what fracture risk percentage should women aged 65 years and older be screened for osteoporosis?

1. 5% or higher

2. 7.5% or higher

3. 9.3% or higher

4. 11% or higher

The correct answer is: 9.3% or higher

The appropriate threshold for screening women aged 65 years and older for osteoporosis is based on a 10-year fracture risk of 9.3% or higher, as determined by various clinical guidelines, including those from the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. This risk percentage correlates with the likelihood of sustaining a hip or major osteoporotic fracture, which is critical for guiding preventative measures and potential treatments to reduce fracture risk. Screening at this level ensures that women who are at a significant risk of fracture receive timely intervention, which may include lifestyle modifications, supplementation with calcium and vitamin D, or pharmacological therapies. The importance of addressing this risk is underscored by the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporotic fractures in this population. Given the prevalence of osteoporosis and the implications of untreated conditions, identifying those at 9.3% or higher enables health care providers to manage and mitigate future fractures effectively.