Frax Calculator

Simplified Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX-like)

This tool provides a simplified estimate of your 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture, based on common risk factors used in the FRAX® model. Please note that this is a simplified, educational tool and not the official FRAX® calculator. For an accurate assessment and medical advice, always consult with a healthcare professional and use the official FRAX® tool if recommended.

Enter your details and click 'Calculate' to see your estimated risk.

function calculateFraxRisk() { var age = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fraxAge').value); var sex = document.querySelector('input[name="fraxSex"]:checked').value; var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fraxWeight').value); var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fraxHeight').value); var prevFracture = document.getElementById('fraxPrevFracture').checked; var parentHipFracture = document.getElementById('fraxParentHipFracture').checked; var currentSmoker = document.getElementById('fraxCurrentSmoker').checked; var glucocorticoid = document.getElementById('fraxGlucocorticoid').checked; var rheumatoidArthritis = document.getElementById('fraxRheumatoidArthritis').checked; var secondaryOsteoporosis = document.getElementById('fraxSecondaryOsteoporosis').checked; var alcohol = document.getElementById('fraxAlcohol').checked; var tScoreInput = document.getElementById('fraxTScore').value; var tScore = tScoreInput === "" ? NaN : parseFloat(tScoreInput); var resultDiv = document.getElementById('fraxResult'); if (isNaN(age) || age 90 || isNaN(weight) || weight <= 0 || isNaN(height) || height = 40 && age = 50 && age = 60 && age = 70 && age = 80) majorFractureRisk += 15; // Sex contribution if (sex === 'female') { majorFractureRisk += 3; hipFractureRisk += 1; // Females generally have higher hip fracture risk } // BMI contribution (low BMI is a risk factor) if (bmi < 18.5) { majorFractureRisk += 5; hipFractureRisk += 2; } else if (bmi < 20) { majorFractureRisk += 3; } // Clinical Risk Factors if (prevFracture) { majorFractureRisk += 7; hipFractureRisk += 3; } if (parentHipFracture) { majorFractureRisk += 5; hipFractureRisk += 2; } if (currentSmoker) { majorFractureRisk += 4; hipFractureRisk += 1; } if (glucocorticoid) { majorFractureRisk += 6; hipFractureRisk += 2; } if (rheumatoidArthritis) { majorFractureRisk += 5; hipFractureRisk += 2; } if (secondaryOsteoporosis) { majorFractureRisk += 8; hipFractureRisk += 4; } if (alcohol) { majorFractureRisk += 3; hipFractureRisk += 1; } // T-score contribution (if provided and valid) if (!isNaN(tScore)) { if (tScore = -2.5 && tScore = -1.5 && tScore majorFractureRisk) { hipFractureRisk = majorFractureRisk * 0.5; // Arbitrary adjustment } else if (hipFractureRisk < majorFractureRisk * 0.15) { // Ensure it's not too low hipFractureRisk = majorFractureRisk * 0.15; } resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Your Estimated 10-Year Fracture Risk:' + 'Major Osteoporotic Fracture: ' + majorFractureRisk.toFixed(1) + '%' + 'Hip Fracture: ' + hipFractureRisk.toFixed(1) + '%' + 'This is a simplified estimate. Consult a healthcare professional for a full assessment.'; }

Understanding the FRAX® Calculator and Fracture Risk

The FRAX® (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) is a widely recognized clinical tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to estimate an individual's 10-year probability of experiencing a major osteoporotic fracture (hip, clinical spine, forearm, or proximal humerus) and hip fracture specifically. It's designed to help healthcare professionals identify patients at high risk of fracture who may benefit from intervention.

Why is Fracture Risk Assessment Important?

Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones, often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. These fractures, particularly hip fractures, can lead to significant pain, disability, loss of independence, and even increased mortality. Proactive risk assessment allows for early identification and management, potentially preventing these debilitating events.

Factors Considered by FRAX®

The official FRAX® model incorporates several key clinical risk factors, with or without the inclusion of bone mineral density (BMD) values from a DXA scan. These factors include:

• Age: Risk increases significantly with age.
• Sex: Women generally have a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures than men.
• Weight and Height (BMI): Low Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with increased fracture risk.
• Previous Fracture: A prior fragility fracture is a strong indicator of future fracture risk.
• Parent Fractured Hip: A family history of hip fracture suggests a genetic predisposition.
• Current Smoking: Smoking negatively impacts bone health.
• Glucocorticoid Use: Long-term use of oral glucocorticoids (steroids) significantly weakens bones.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune disease can increase fracture risk.
• Secondary Osteoporosis: Other medical conditions (e.g., type 1 diabetes, hyperthyroidism, chronic liver disease) can contribute to bone loss.
• Alcohol ≥ 3 units/day: Excessive alcohol consumption is detrimental to bone health.
• Femoral Neck T-score: Bone mineral density measurement from a DXA scan, if available, significantly refines the risk assessment.

Interpreting Your Results (Simplified)

The output from a FRAX-like calculator provides a percentage probability. For example, a 10% 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture means that out of 100 people with similar risk factors, 10 would be expected to experience a major osteoporotic fracture within the next 10 years. These thresholds for intervention vary by country and clinical guidelines.

• Low Risk: Generally, lower percentages indicate a lower risk.
• Intermediate Risk: Moderate percentages may warrant further investigation or lifestyle modifications.
• High Risk: Higher percentages often indicate a need for medical intervention, such as medication to strengthen bones.

Important Disclaimer

This simplified calculator is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The official FRAX® tool is complex and country-specific, using detailed epidemiological data. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your individual fracture risk and appropriate management strategies.