A Study on the Effectiveness of BMD and Neuropathy Camps for Screening Osteoporosis and Peripheral Neuropathy

Background: Bone mineral density (BMD) is an important determinant of bone strength, and its reduction leads to osteopenia, osteoporosis and major risk factors for fractures. Neuropathy, particularly in diabetes, may further worsen bone health. Low-cost, non-invasive methods like calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) testing can be useful for community-based screening. Methods: A camp-based study was conducted at Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, AMU, involving 77 participants. BMD was measured by calcaneal QUS and categorized as normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis (WHO criteria). Neuropathy was graded by VPT as grade I (16–25 V) or grade II (>25 V). Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: Overall, 50.6% had normal BMD, 41.6% osteopenia, and 7.8% osteoporosis. Among females, 54.6% were normal, 34.1% osteopenic, and 11.4% osteoporotic; In males, 45.5% were normal, 51.5% osteopenic, and 3.0% osteoporotic. Neuropathy was found in 33.8% of participants, most often in the 40–59 years group. No significant association was observed between sex and BMD (χ²=3.37, p=0.186). Conclusion: Osteopenia was common among men, while osteoporosis was more frequent among women. Neuropathy was also prevalent, particularly in middle-aged adults. Although the sex-BMD association was not significant, the findings highlight the value of early, camp-based screening using simple tools like QUS and VPT to detect bone health issues and neuropathy in the community. Key words: Bone mineral density, osteoporosis, osteopenia, quantitative ultrasound, vibration perception threshold, peripheral neuropathy