The most important information for the patient is whether he is at risk of fracture.
We can find out about it without leaving home, thanks to the FRAX method available online since 2008. Just go to the FRAX website (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/FRAX/tool.aspx?lang=po) or write "FRAX/PL" in the search engine.
The FRAX calculator, developed by the WHO, allows you to calculate the risk of fracture based on a completed questionnaire containing questions about the factors that affect the risk of fracture. Questions for the FRAX calculator include, among others: information about: history of fracture, fracture in parents, smoking, alcohol abuse, steroid use, rheumatoid arthritis and secondary osteoporosis. The program calculates the 10-year risk of major fracture [Major osteoporotic], i.e. the spine, femoral neck, humerus, and fractures of the femoral neck [hip fracture]. In Poland, the risk of major fracture is 5%, medium 10%, high 15% (fig. 1).
FRAX calculations can be refined by adding the result of a densitometric test in the form of a T index or BMD value. Please note that only measurements at the femoral neck can be used for calculations!!
The FRAX website also contains a detailed description of the method and risk factors.
Dig. Fig. 1: Calculation of fracture risk without bone density testing in a 72-year-old woman who had a fracture herself and her mother also suffered a fracture. A major osteoporotic score of 16 major fracture indicates a high fracture risk. The patient should see a doctor and be treated.
Dig. 2: Results from the same patient after adding bone density measurement; T-index = -2,5 SD. The risk of major fracture increased to 20%.