Measuring Risk Of Fracture

An individual's risk of fracture over a given period of years can be predicted using one of two models. Both are simple to use by individuals with no medical training. A patient simply answers a few questions.

The FRAX tool was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and gives the 10-year probability of hip fracture and the 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture (spine, forearm, hip or shoulder fracture). It includes height, weight, personal history of fracture, family history of fracture, smoking, alcohol consumption, use of corticosteroids, rheumatoid arthritis and secondary osteoporosis. This model ignores falls. It is the most commonly used fracture-risk algorithm worldwide. To access it, follow this link, click on "Calculation Tool," and select your location and race/ethnicity:

http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/

A second model is used in Australia to determine whether Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme reimbursements for osteoporosis therapy apply. It was developed by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney. The Garvan fracture risk calculator is based on gender, bone mineral density, age, history of personal fracture, and history of falls over the last 12 months. It is incredibly simple but is believed to incorporate the most critical risk factors. It provides five and 10 year risk assessments for hip fracture and for any osteoporosis/fragility fracture. The T-score and BMD in g/cm2 used in this tool refer to the values at the femoral neck, which will read Hip (neck) on most DXA scan reports. To access this calculator:

http://www.garvan.org.au/promotions/bone-fracture-risk/