FRAX® Osteoporosis Fracture Prediction Tool Developed by the
World Health Organization
James Demetrious, DC, FACO
Editor, Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists eJournal
The FRAX® tool has been developed by the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases, at the University of Sheffield, UK to evaluate fracture risk of patients. It is based on individual patient models that integrate the risks associated with clinical risk factors as well as bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), registered as a not-for-profit, non-governmental foundation in Switzerland, functions as a global alliance of patient, medical and research societies, scientists, health care professionals, and international companies concerned about bone health. The IOF manages requests for utilization of FRAX®.
Patrice Mckenney, CEO of the IOF reports that her organization is very pleased to have the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists link to FRAX® from the Academy web site. Ms. McKenney stated, “Your eJournal seems to be of very high quality and a great service to your constituents. We would be very happy to be associated with you.”
The FRAX® models have been developed from studying population-based cohorts from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. In their most sophisticated form, the FRAX® tool is computer-driven and is available on this site. Several simplified paper versions, based on the number of risk factors are also available, and can be downloaded for office use.
The FRAX® algorithms give the 10-year probability of fracture. The output is a 10-year probability of hip fracture and the 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture (clinical spine, forearm, hip or shoulder fracture).
The FRAX® tool can be accessed online at: http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/index.htm.
More information related to osteoporosis is available from the IOF at:http://www.iofbonehealth.org/home.html.
FRAX® is a sophisticated risk assessment instrument, developed by the University of Sheffield in association with the World Health Organization. It uses risk factors in addition to DXA measurements for improved fracture risk estimation. It is a useful tool to aid clinical decision making about the use of pharmacologic therapies in patients with low bone mass. The International Osteoporosis Foundation supports the maintenance and development of FRAX®.
Announcing the new Date for the 2010 ACCO Convention
The 2010 ACCO Convention has been rescheduled April 23-25, 2010. The convention will be held at Harvey’s Resort in Lake Tahoe (www.harveystahoe.com ).
If you have not attended an ACCO Convention, plan to do so in 2010: for the educational experience; to share in the comradery of fellow like minded practitioners who strive to offer the highest quality of care for their patients; to break away to breathtaking Lake Tahoe.
Refer a colleague and share the wealth of knowledge you gain from the speakers at our convention.
Check in periodically at www.accoweb.org for updated convention information.