Osteoporosis Risk Assessment (FRAX-Style)
Estimate general osteoporotic fracture risk based on common clinical risk factors, similar in concept to elements used in the FRAX assessment tool. Educational reference only — not a substitute for clinical FRAX calculation or DEXA scanning.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Symbol | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osteoporosis Risk Assessment (FRAX-Style) | — | Risk factor accumulation based on FRAX-style criteria | relative 10-year fracture risk indicator |
Step-by-Step Examples
Female, age 55, no previous fracture, no parental hip fracture, non-smoker, no steroid use.
- Age points: 1 (50+, under 65 threshold)
- All other factors: 0
- Total: 1/7 — lower risk indicators
Female, age 68, no previous fracture, parent had hip fracture, non-smoker.
- Age points: 2 (female 65+), Parent fracture: 1
- Total: 3/7 — moderate risk indicators
Female, age 72, previous fracture, parent fracture history, current smoker.
- Age points: 2, Previous fracture: 2, Parent: 1, Smoking: 1
- Total: 6/7 — higher risk indicators, discuss formal assessment
Real-World Applications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The official FRAX tool (developed by University of Sheffield) uses validated country-specific algorithms incorporating actual bone density values when available — this is a simplified educational illustration only.
Real osteoporosis treatment decisions require formal risk assessment (often including DEXA bone density results) interpreted by a healthcare provider with full clinical context.
A prior fragility fracture (especially hip, spine, or wrist from minimal trauma) is one of the strongest predictors of future fracture risk and always warrants medical attention.