FRAX is a tool developed for calculating the fracture risk in individuals of both sexes and different populations. FRAX was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) from population studies from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
FRAX software is based on individual models which combine and integrate different clinical risk factors with bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck.
Involved risk factors include: age, sex, weight, height, history of prior fracture, parental history of fracture, smoking, corticoids use, history of rheumatoid arthritis and alcohol consumption.
The algorithm calculates the 10-year fracture risk (hip fracture and other osteoporosis-related fractures such as vertebral, forearm and shoulder fracture).
FRAX calculation is not designed to establish a specific treatment. Treatment should be based on clinical judgment. In most countries, there are specific clinical guidelines based on expert opinions and health economics.