Rheumatology
Prevention
FRAX® estimates the 10-year probability of a hip fracture and a major osteoporotic fracture. The model is country-specific and combines clinical risk factors and, when available, femoral neck bone mineral density.
Number of questions
12 factors (including optional BMD)
Approximate duration
2 to 4 minutes
Population
depending on the country model and the age limits of the official tool
Modality
clinical score
Terms of contract
The calculation is performed solely using the official FRAX tool by selecting the country-specific model; it applies to individuals aged 40 to 90 years. Have the age, sex, weight, height, and risk factors ready according to the FRAX definitions (oral corticosteroids, alcohol ≥ 3 units/day, etc.). Femoral neck BMD by DXA is optional; any risk factor left blank is counted as absent. Official age range: 40 to 90 years. Outside of this range, the official tool automatically uses 40 or 90 years, respectively; this substitution must be noted and does not constitute a validation for the actual age. The alcohol criterion corresponds to at least three units per day.
Score interpretationFRAX®
A country-dependent probabilistic algorithm that is more than a simple point score: it estimates the 10-year probability of a hip fracture and a major osteoporotic fracture based on clinical factors, with or without femoral neck BMD.
Total score
First reading
No universal ranges: intervention thresholds vary depending on national guidelines and the patient's individual context.
Factors are simplified and the estimated risk depends on the national model. Certain clinical situations require an assessment beyond FRAX.
Frequently asked questions
Can FRAX® be calculated without BMD?
Can the FRAX® formula be reproduced?
What are its limitations?
Sources and references
John A. Kanis, Eugene McCloskey et al. (University of Sheffield)
FRAX / FRAXplus, fraxplus.org
In practice
Full name
Fracture Risk Assessment Tool
Method
clinical score
Language
Not applicable (clinical score)
Authors
John A. Kanis, Eugene McCloskey et al. (University of Sheffield)
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