3.2.1 FRAX

The FRAX tool calculates 10-year probabilities for hip and MOF. It can be used for individuals aged between 40 and 90 years. It uses 11 variables:

• age
• sex
• weight
• height
• previous adult fracture
• parental hip fracture
• current smoking
• glucocorticoid (steroid) use
• rheumatoid arthritis
• 3 or more units of alcohol intake daily
• conditions linked with secondary osteoporosis

It uses these variables to calculate the probability of fracture. However, it does not include Parkinson’s or falls as variables. Measured BMD (from DXA scan results) can be included if available but is not essential.

The fracture risk results (displayed as a percentage chance of fracture in the next 10 years) then links directly to guidance from the National Osteoporosis Guidelines Group and displays patient risk on a graph (see later).