How should a DEXA scan be used to evaluate bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis?

Abstract

If bone density is evaluated after initiating bisphosphonate drug therapy, it should be tested no earlier than 2 years (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, based on case series of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry [DEXA] scanning precision and bisphosphonate efficacy). Currently no prospective, randomized trials investigate the impact of bone density follow-up testing on osteoporotic patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy.