Bone health
Osteoporosis and fragility fracture assessment in Sheffield
If you have broken a bone after a minor fall, or are worried about bone strength, I’m Dr Pravin Jha, a consultant geriatrician. Osteoporosis assessment in Sheffield reviews bone strength and fracture risk together with falls risk, mobility, medicines and general health. I review your bone health and fracture risk as part of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, alongside falls risk, mobility, medicines and general health, rather than looking at bone density in isolation. No GP referral is needed, and I can usually see you within 24–48 hours. A new clinic consultation is £400, including a written report.
Bone health with the rest of your health
Part of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Many services look at bone health on its own. I take a different approach: your osteoporosis assessment is part of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, so falls risk, mobility, medicines and general health are reviewed alongside your bones, because these are closely connected.
A fracture after a minor fall is a warning sign. Assessment and treatment at this point can prevent the next fracture.
Consider an assessment if you have
- broken a bone after a minor fall
- a family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
- risk factors such as early menopause or long-term steroid use
- had a bone density scan showing low bone density
I also assess bone health as part of a wider falls or frailty assessment.
A structured process
What an osteoporosis assessment involves
History and risk factors
Previous fractures, family history, medicines such as steroids, and other causes of bone loss.
Fracture risk
Where appropriate I arrange a DEXA (bone density) scan and use tools such as FRAX to estimate your 10-year risk of fracture.
Falls and general health
Balance, mobility and falls risk, because most fractures follow a fall.
Treatment options
I review your current medicines, calcium and vitamin D, and discuss treatment with you, including bone-strengthening medicines where appropriate.
Treatment
What treatment options are available?
I discuss the options that suit you, so you can make an informed choice. Treatment depends on your fracture risk, other health conditions and preferences, and may include:
- exercise, falls prevention and a diet with enough calcium
- vitamin D and calcium supplements, if needed
- tablets taken weekly or monthly
- an injection or infusion given every few months or once a year
Each medicine works differently and has its own benefits and side effects. Some are prescribed by the GP; others may need to be prescribed privately, depending on local NHS arrangements. I will explain this before you decide.
What you receive
- a clear explanation of your fracture risk
- advice on treatment, and on reducing falls
- a written report to you and your GP
Questions about osteoporosis
Is osteoporosis assessed as part of a general geriatric assessment?
Yes. I review bone health as part of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, alongside falls risk, mobility, medicines and general health, rather than as a stand-alone test.
Will I need a DEXA scan?
A DEXA (bone density) scan may be arranged if it is clinically appropriate, based on your history and risk factors. I will discuss whether you need one.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly. I send a copy of my report to your GP.
How is fracture risk assessed?
I combine your clinical history with tools such as FRAX, which estimates your 10-year risk of fracture, to decide whether treatment is appropriate.
What treatments are available for osteoporosis?
Depending on your risk, treatment may include lifestyle measures, calcium and vitamin D, and bone-strengthening medicines taken as tablets or given by injection or infusion. I discuss the options relevant to you.
How much does an osteoporosis assessment cost?
A new clinic consultation is £400 for 60 minutes, and a new home visit is £500 plus travel. Both include a report to your GP. Scans are charged separately by the provider.
How quickly can I be seen?
Usually within 24–48 hours.
Appointments
Book an osteoporosis assessment
Most people are seen within 24–48 hours, and home visits can often be arranged the same day. Choose the place that suits you, or send the booking form and I’ll arrange it.
Spire Claremont Hospital
401 Sandygate Road, Sheffield
S10 5UBCircle Thornbury Hospital
312 Fulwood Road, Sheffield
S10 3BRLivingCare
Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield Medical Diagnostic Centre, Olympic Legacy Park, Worksop Road, Sheffield S9 3TL
S9 3TL
Home visits
Within 50 miles of Sheffield, often the same day.
New visit £500 (60 minutes). Travel included up to 10 miles.
Video consultations
By secure video link, UK-wide.
New consultation £300 (30 minutes). Includes a written report to you and your GP.
Related information
Sources and further reading
- NICE clinical guideline CG146: Osteoporosis: assessing the risk of fragility fracture
- NHS website: Osteoporosis
- Royal Osteoporosis Society
Written and reviewed by Dr Pravin Jha, Consultant Geriatrician & Memory Specialist. Last reviewed: September 2026.