New Delhi, October 29, 2026: A new screening tool has been introduced in India to help identify people at higher risk of osteoporosis, amid estimates that around one in three Indian women aged 50 and above may be vulnerable to the bone-weakening condition.
The Osteoporosis Society of India (OSI), in association with Sun Pharma, has launched a Bone Health Score Card under its “Why Wait? Till It Breaks” initiative.
Osteoporosis Affects Millions
OSI estimates that osteoporosis affects around 22.9% of Indian adults, equivalent to roughly 33 crore people.
Around 1.4 million osteoporosis-related fractures occur among Indian women every year, according to figures cited from the International Osteoporosis Foundation.
Score Card Uses Eight Risk Factors
The tool assesses osteoporosis risk using eight parameters, including:
- Age
- Body mass index
- Family history
- Existing medical conditions
- Smoking
- Steroid use
- Certain cancer treatments
Each factor receives a score, which is then used to classify a person’s risk level.
Fragility Fracture Signals Very High Risk
Anyone who has suffered a fragility fracture after the age of 40 is automatically placed in the very-high-risk category.
Such fractures occur after relatively minor falls or impacts that would not normally break healthy bone.
Tool Is for Screening, Not Diagnosis
Doctors stress that the score card cannot confirm osteoporosis.
People identified as high-risk may need further tests such as DEXA scans, quantitative CT scans or blood tests for calcium, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone.
Postmenopausal Women Face Higher Risk
Bone loss accelerates after menopause because falling oestrogen levels can reduce bone density.
This makes women over 50 particularly vulnerable to hip, spine and wrist fractures.
Hip Fractures Can Be Serious
Doctors cited estimates suggesting that 25–30% of patients with osteoporosis-related hip fractures may die within a year, highlighting the importance of prevention and early identification.
Digital Version Planned
The physical score card is initially being distributed to doctors.
A free digital version is expected to be available to healthcare professionals and the public by the first week of December 2026.
Aim Is Earlier Detection
The initiative is intended to identify at-risk patients before their first major fracture rather than waiting for osteoporosis to become obvious after an injury.
Doctors say early screening, appropriate testing and timely treatment could reduce fracture risk and preserve mobility in older adults.
Source: The Indian Express, Osteoporosis Society of India
Supreme News Network
