Frax: Past, Present, and Future
The fracture risk assessment tool, FRAX ®, was released in 2008. It provides country-specific tools for estimating personalized 10-year probability of hip and major osteoporotic fracture (hip, clinical spine, distal forearm, and proximal humerus). Several adjustments have been developed that extend the range of risk factors considered by FRAX, now available through FRAXplus (www.FRAXplus.org). Meanwhile, there is ongoing research that will inform the next iteration of the FRAX tool.
OBJECTIVES
- Summarize the development of the FRAX tool, including its strength and limitations.
- Understand adjustments to FRAX that permit incorporation of additional risk factor information.
- Explain the clinical impact and application of FRAXplus and, eventually, FRAX-2 on clinical decision-making.
William D. Leslie, MD MSc FRCPC CCD
Professor of Medicine and Radiology
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
Dr. Leslie is Professor of Medicine and Radiology at the University of Manitoba with over 550 peer-reviewed publications. His research interests are in fracture risk assessment, osteoporosis testing and nuclear diagnostic techniques. He is Past President of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry, Past Chair of the Osteoporosis Canada Scientific Advisory Council, and Director of the Manitoba Bone Density Program.