World Health Organization Fracture Risk Research Articles

Validating the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool Score in a US Population-Based Study of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The World Health Organization fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) algorithm for risk prediction of major osteoporotic and hip fractures accounts for several risk factors, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), since individuals with RA have an excess burden of fractures. FRAX has not been validated in population-based RA cohorts in the US. We aimed to determine the accuracy of FRAX predictions for individuals with RA in the US. This retrospective population-based cohort study included residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, who were followed until death, migration, or last medical record review. Each patient with RA (1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria met in 1980-2007, age 40-89 years) was matched 1:1 on age and sex to an individual without RA from the same underlying population. Ten-year predictions for major osteoporotic and hip fractures were estimated using the FRAX tool. Fractures were ascertained through follow-up, truncated at 10 years. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% CI were calculated to compare observed and predicted fractures. The study included 662 patients with RA and 658 non-RA comparators (66.8% vs 66.9% female and a mean age of 60.6 vs 60.5 years, respectively). Among patients with RA, 76 major osteoporotic fractures and 21 hip fractures were observed during follow-up (median follow-up: 9.0 years) compared to 67.0 predicted major osteoporotic fractures (SIR 1.13, 95% CI 0.91-1.42) and 23.3 predicted hip fractures (SIR 0.90, 95% CI 0.59-1.38). The observed and predicted major osteoporotic and hip fracture risks were similar for patients with RA and non-RA comparators. The FRAX tool is an accurate method for estimating major osteoporotic and hip fracture risk in patients with RA.

Assessment of fracture risk among postmenopausal Sudanese women: Is the fracture risk assessment score beneficial?

Objectives: Osteoporosis leads to fragile bones with a high risk of fracture. Moreover, a bone mineral density test has low sensitivity to predict fractures. Alternatively, the World Health Organization fracture risk assessment (FRAX) tool helps improve the prediction of fractures in women even before they develop osteoporosis. This study aimed to assess the risk of developing fractures in Sudanese women using the FRAX tool by studying clinical risk factors that lead to decreased bone strength. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in the River Nile State, Sudan (Jan 2020–June 2020). A questionnaire comprising demographic data and clinical risk factors of fragility fracture was used to determine whether these factors met the FRAX criteria. Results: Participants were 350 postmenopausal women between the ages of 51–60 (36%), with a body mass index (BMI) >25 in 61.4%. In addition, 11% were exposed to oral glucocorticoids, and premature menopause occurred among 20.3%. The risk of major osteoporotic fracture was highest (>20%) in approximately 7% of the women, and 16.3% of them had a high risk of hip fracture (>3%). The risk for fractures increases with age, and a lower BMI is significantly associated with minimal trauma fractures. This study observed significant relationships among systemic glucocorticoid use, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, premature menopause, and osteoporotic fractures. All significant associations had P < 0.05. Conclusion: This study observed that multiple risk factors significantly correlated with osteoporotic fractures. Therefore, the FRAX tool is useful in 10-year fracture risk predictions.

Beijing Friendship Hospital Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Elderly Male (BFH-OSTM) vs Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) for identifying painful new osteoporotic vertebral fractures in older Chinese men: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundTo compare the validation of four tools for identifying painful new osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (PNOVCFs) in older Chinese men: bone mineral density (BMD), Asian osteoporosis self-assessment tool (OSTA), World Health Organization fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) (without BMD) and Beijing Friendship Hospital Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (BFH-OSTM).MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted from 2013 to 2019. A total of 846 men aged ≥50 were included and were divided into two groups: Fracture Group (patients with PNOVCFs underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty surgery) and Non-Fracture Group (community dwelled subjects for healthy examination). All subjects accepted a dual-energy X-ray BMD test and a structured questionnaire. The results of BMD, OSTA, FRAX and BFH-OSTM scores were assessed and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to compare the validity of four tools for identifying PNOVCFs. Optimal cutoff points, sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) were determined.ResultsThere were significant differences including BMD T score (femoral neck, total hip and L1-L4), OSTA, FRAX and BFH-OSTM scores between Fracture group and Non-fracture group. Compared to BMD and OSTA, BFH-OSTM and FRAX had better predictive value, the sensitivity, specificity and AUC value are 0.841, 81.29%, 70.67% and 0.796, 74.85%, 78.52%, respectively. Compared with FRAX, the BFH-OSTM has a better AUC value.ConclusionsBoth BFH-OSTM and FRAX can be used to identify POVCFs, However, BFH-OSTM model may be a more simple and effective tool to identify the risk of POVCFs in Chinese elderly men.

Obesity is a risk factor for osteoarthritis progression and spontaneous osteoporosis is a risk for the development of spontaneous osteonecrosis in patients with medial meniscus posterior root tear

BackgroundObesity is a representative risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA). The relationship between osteoporosis and executed osteonecrosis has been reported. The primary aim of this study was to determine the influence of obesity and osteoporosis on disease progression in patients with medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT). MethodsWe included 41 knees with MMPRT in this study. MMPRT was diagnosed based on the presence of both a meniscus ghost sign and a vertical linear defect on MRI. OA progression and development of osteonecrosis were evaluated using plain radiographs obtained at the initial visit and the final follow-up. The follow-up period for all knees was 30 ± 8 (mean ± standard deviation) months. Patients’ physical attributes were assessed at initial visits; these attributes included body mass index (BMI) and the clinical risk for osteoporotic fracture, as determined by the World Health Organization fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX). Patients with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 were classified in the obesity group and those with a BMI <25 kg/m2 in the control group. Patients with a FRAX score of ≥10% were classified in the high FRAX group and those with a FRAX score of <10% in the low FRAX group. ResultsOA progression evaluated by Kellgren–Lawrence grading scale was observed in 75% patients in the obesity group (1 grade in 38%, 2 grades in 31%, and 3 grades in 6%) and 58% in the control group (1 grade in 58%). Patients in the obesity group showed significantly greater OA progression. Spontaneous osteonecrosis was observed in no knees at the initial visit and six knees at the final follow-up. All six lesions were observed in the high FRAX group, which was statistically significant. ConclusionsOA progression and development of osteonecrosis were the two representative deterioration patterns in patients with MMPRT. High BMI was related with OA progression, and FRAX score of ≥10% with the development of osteonecrosis.

Comparison of FRAX in postmenopausal Asian women with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective observational study.

ObjectiveTo compare the fracture risk in postmenopausal Asian women with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThe study cohort comprised data from consecutive postmenopausal women with T2DM that were retrieved from a prospectively maintained institutional database from 2001 to 2009. Postmenopausal women without DM from the Medical Examination Center from 2001 to 2009 formed the control cohort. The primary endpoint was the World Health Organization Fracture Risk Algorithm (FRAX, revised 2013) score. The secondary endpoint was bone mineral density (BMD).ResultsThere were 1014 individuals included for the assessment (T2DM, n=500 and non-DM, n=514). Based on the FRAX model, the risk of major osteoporotic fractures and hip fractures over the next 10 years was higher in the T2DM group compared with the non-DM group. Compared with the T2DM group, the non-DM group had a lower BMD. After adjusting for age, gender, history of alcohol consumption, smoking status, body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein, the differences were statistically significant.ConclusionsCompared with postmenopausal women without DM, postmenopausal women with T2DM had a significantly higher fracture risk calculated using the FRAX model. Early intervention for postmenopausal women with T2DM may be necessary, although T2DM is associated with a high BMD.

Preoperative dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and FRAX in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

BackgroundOsteoporosis implies an increased risk of complications after orthopedic surgery. For the mostly elderly group of patients undergoing lumbar spinal stenosis surgery (LSS), it is important to include skeletal health evaluation in the preoperative planning. The aim of this study was to assess spine and femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD) in LSS patients and to evaluate whether the World Health Organization (WHO) fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) can identify patients with reduced BMD levels in the spine.MethodsThe study involved 65 LSS patients and 53 patients with hip osteoarthritis (HOA) for comparison. BMD was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the lumbar spine in three projections: anterior-posterior (AP), lateral and lateral-mid (the mid-portion of the vertebrae), and FN. The LSS patients filled out the FRAX questionnaire.ResultsIn the LSS group, 43% of the women and 8% of the men were classified as being osteoporotic/osteopenic by AP spine measurement. The corresponding proportions using the lateral spine T-score ≤ − 2.5 were 87% and 57%, respectively, and 82% and 53%, respectively, for the FN. The FN BMD T-score was significantly lower in the LSS group compared with the HOA group. The FRAX questionnaire identified 40% of the LSS patients with a moderate/high risk of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture within 10 years, with or without simultaneous FN BMD, while 71% of these patients were classified as being osteoporotic with DXA lateral spine measurement.ConclusionIt is common with osteoporosis/osteopenia in patients undergoing spine surgery, and the identification may influence the surgical treatment why the evaluation of BMD is important preoperatively. FRAX evaluation could not replace DXA measurement of the spine regarding the identification of osteoporosis patients in the preoperative planning phase.

Fracture probability assessed using FRAX® in elderly women with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

ObjectivePatients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can have vitamin D deficiency, which is a cause of abnormal bone turnover. Several studies have established a relationship between osteoporosis and BPPV. The World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, widely known as FRAX® (http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX), is a computer-based algorithm for assessing fracture risk. No direct comparison has been made between the FRAX scores of patients with BPPV and controls. The purpose of this study was to determine whether women with BPPV are at high risk of fracture as assessed using FRAX. MethodsThe study involved 40 postmenopausal women diagnosed with BPPV between July 2015 and April 2016, and 40 postmenopausal women as controls. The 10-year major osteoporotic and hip fracture risks were calculated using FRAX and were compared between BPPV patients and controls using Welch’s t test and a general linear model. ResultsThe 10-year major osteoporotic fracture risk was 20.4%±12.1% for BPPV patients (aged 72.4±8.6years) and 14.3%±6.5% for controls (aged 71.2±6.3years). The 10-year hip fracture risk was 9.0%±9.8% for BPPV patients and 5.0%±3.9% for controls. The BPPV group had significantly higher 10-year major risks of osteoporotic fracture (p=0.0069) and hip fracture (p=0.0202) compared with controls. Similarly, after adjustment for age, the BPPV group had significantly higher 10-year risks of major osteoporotic fracture (p=0.0007) and hip fracture (p=0.0092) compared with controls. ConclusionFracture risk calculated using FRAX was significantly higher in the BPPV group than in controls. Women with BPPV may need early intervention to prevent future fractures.

3-T MR Imaging of Proximal Femur Microarchitecture in Subjects with and without Fragility Fracture and Nonosteoporotic Proximal Femur Bone Mineral Density.

Purpose To determine if 3-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of proximal femur microarchitecture can allow discrimination of subjects with and without fragility fracture who do not have osteoporotic proximal femur bone mineral density (BMD). Materials and Methods Sixty postmenopausal women (30 with and 30 without fragility fracture) who had BMD T scores of greater than -2.5 in the hip were recruited. All subjects underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to assess BMD and 3-T MR imaging of the same hip to assess bone microarchitecture. World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) scores were also computed. We used the Mann-Whitney test, receiver operating characteristics analyses, and Spearman correlation estimates to assess differences between groups, discriminatory ability with parameters, and correlations among BMD, microarchitecture, and FRAX scores. Results Patients with versus without fracture showed a lower trabecular plate-to-rod ratio (median, 2.41 vs 4.53, respectively), lower trabecular plate width (0.556 mm vs 0.630 mm, respectively), and lower trabecular thickness (0.114 mm vs 0.126 mm) within the femoral neck, and higher trabecular rod disruption (43.5 vs 19.0, respectively), higher trabecular separation (0.378 mm vs 0.323 mm, respectively), and lower trabecular number (0.158 vs 0.192, respectively), lower trabecular connectivity (0.015 vs 0.027, respectively) and lower trabecular plate-to-rod ratio (6.38 vs 8.09, respectively) in the greater trochanter (P < .05 for all). Trabecular plate-to-rod ratio, plate width, and thickness within the femoral neck (areas under the curve [AUCs], 0.654-0.683) and trabecular rod disruption, number, connectivity, plate-to-rod ratio, and separation within the greater trochanter (AUCs, 0.662-0.694) allowed discrimination of patients with fracture from control subjects. Femoral neck, total hip, and spine BMD did not differ between and did not allow discrimination between groups. FRAX scores including and not including BMD allowed discrimination between groups (AUCs, 0.681-0.773). Two-factor models (one MR imaging microarchitectural parameter plus a FRAX score without BMD) allowed discrimination between groups (AUCs, 0.702-0.806). There were no linear correlations between BMD and microarchitectural parameters (Spearman ρ, -0.198 to 0.196). Conclusion 3-T MR imaging of proximal femur microarchitecture allows discrimination between subjects with and without fragility fracture who have BMD T scores of greater than -2.5 and may provide different information about bone quality than that provided by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. © RSNA, 2018.

Assessment of fracture risk in a cohort of Egyptian female Systemic Lupus erythematosus patients

Aim of the workTo assess the fracture risk in a cohort of Egyptian systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) females in correlation to some disease variables. Patients and methodsSeventy female SLE patients ≥40years old were enrolled with detailed history taking, assessment of disease activity and damage index. Measurement of Serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase, bone mineral density (BMD) by dual emission X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN), serum osteocalcin level and World Health Organization (WHO) fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX®). Results20% of the patients had LS osteoporosis, 35.7% LS osteopenia, 8.6% FN osteoporosis, and 42.9% FN osteopenia. Ten-year risk of major and hip fractures was high in SLE patients evidenced by FRAX-Major ≥20% in 10% of patients, and FRAX-Hip ≥3% in 27.1% of patients. Serum osteocalcin level was significantly decreased in SLE patients with lower BMD than those with normal BMD, and significantly decreased in patients with osteoporosis than those with osteopenia. A significant negative correlation was found between osteocalcin level and age of patients, disease duration, disease activity and damage index scores, current intravenous pulse and cumulative steroids, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, but there was a positive correlation with antimalarials and calcium supplements. ConclusionTen-year risk of major and hip fractures was high in SLE patients. Increasing age, disease duration, high anti-DNA titres, higher disease activity and damage index were associated with a higher fracture risk. FRAX predicted fractures among SLE patients with normal and low bone mass not just those with frank osteoporosis. Physicians should be alerted to the higher risk of future fractures in SLE patients for periodic monitoring.

Cost-effectiveness of Virtual Bone Strength Testing in Osteoporosis Screening Programs for Postmenopausal Women in the United States.

Purpose To investigate whether assessment of bone strength with quantitative computed tomography (CT) in combination with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is cost-effective as a screening tool for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods A state-transition microsimulation model of osteoporosis for postmenopausal women aged 55 years or older was developed with a lifetime horizon and U.S. societal perspective. All model inputs were derived from published literature. Three strategies were compared: no screening, DXA with T score-dependent rescreening intervals, and a combination of DXA and quantitative CT with different intervals (3, 5, and 10 years) at different screening initiation ages (55-65 years). Oral bisphosphonate therapy was started if DXA hip T scores were less than or equal to -2.5, 10-year risk for hip fracture was greater than 3% (World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool score, or FRAX), 10-year risk for major osteoporotic fracture was greater than 20% (FRAX), quantitative CT femur bone strength was less than 3000 N, or occurrence of first fracture (eg, hip, vertebral body, wrist). Outcome measures were incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in 2015 U.S. dollars per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained and number of fragility fractures. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was also performed. Results The most cost-effective strategy was combined DXA and quantitative CT screening starting at age 55 with quantitative CT screening every 5 years (ICER, $2000 per QALY). With this strategy, 12.8% of postmenopausal women sustained hip fractures in their remaining life (no screening, 18.7%; DXA screening, 15.8%). The corresponding percentages of vertebral fractures for DXA and quantitative CT with a 5-year interval, was 7.5%; no screening, 11.1%; DXA screening, 9%; for wrist fractures, 14%, 17.8%, and 16.4%, respectively; for other fractures, 22.6%, 30.8%, and 27.3%, respectively. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, DXA and quantitative CT at age 55 years with quantitative CT screening every 5 years was the best strategy in more than 90% of all 1000 simulations (for thresholds of $50 000 per QALY and $100 000 per QALY). Conclusion Combined assessment of bone strength and bone mineral density is a cost-effective strategy for osteoporosis screening in postmenopausal women and has the potential to prevent a substantial number of fragility fractures. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Exploration of risk factors for osteoporotic fracture following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

10080 Background: The incidence of fractures following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) ranges from 5% to 12% and the rates are up to 10 times greater than in the general population. The risk factors involved in osteoporotic fracture development following HSCT are incompletely understood. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients &gt; 18 years that received a HSCT at MD Anderson Cancer Center, from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2010. Patients were followed until December 31, 2013 for assessment of osteoporotic fracture occurrence using ICD-9 codes and confirmed by chart review. Cox regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for osteoporotic fractures. Factors included individual risk factors included in the World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool FRAX and type of HSCT, type of preparatory regimen and underlying indication for HSCT. Results: A total of 5,170 patients received a HSCT during the 10-year study period, of which 527 (10%) patients developed an osteoporotic fracture. The median time of follow up was 3.2 years. A multivariate Cox regression model considering all clinical and malignancy specific risk factors was fitted. With the control of all other variables, the risk of developing fracture was 1.20 (95% confidence interval (CI):1.02-1.41) times higher for every 20 years increase in age at HSCT; female patients had a 1.24 (95% CI: 1.05-1.48) times higher risk compared to male patients; patients with a fracture prior to HSCT had a 2.01 (95% CI: 1.62-2.51) times higher risk compared to patients without a prior fracture; patients receiving an allogeneic HSCT had a 1.57 (95% CI: 1.20-2.05) times higher risk compared to patients receiving an autologous HSCT; and patients with multiple myeloma had a 2.62 (95% CI: 1.97-3.49) times higher risk compared to patients without multiple myeloma. Conclusions: Age at HSCT, gender, prior fracture status, type of HSCT, and underlying indication were identified to be statistically significantly associated with fracture. This is one of the first large scale studies assessing a comprehensive set of risk factors. To develop a risk model for fracture, we should consider these factors.

Longer Duration of Diabetes Strongly Impacts Fracture Risk Assessment: The Manitoba BMD Cohort.

Context:Type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk for major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and hip fracture than predicted by the World Health Organization fracture risk assessment (FRAX) tool.Objective:The objective of the study was to examine the impact of diabetes duration on fracture risk.Methods:Using a clinical dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry registry linked with the Manitoba administrative databases, we identified all women age 40 years or older with 10 or more years of prior health care coverage undergoing hip dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measurements (1996–2013). Incident MOF and incident hip fractures were each studied over 7 years. Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for FRAX (FRAX adjusted) and then FRAX plus comorbidity, falls, osteoporosis therapy, or insulin (fully adjusted). FRAX calibration was assessed comparing observed vs predicted probabilities.Results:There were 49 098 women without and 8840 women with diabetes (31.4% >10 y duration; 20.1% 5–10 y; 23.7% <5 y; 24.8% new onset). In FRAX-adjusted analyses, only duration longer than 10 years was associated with a higher risk for MOF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–1.66), and this was similar in the fully adjusted models (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.17–1.54). In contrast, a higher risk for hip fracture was seen for all durations in a dose-dependent fashion (eg, FRAX adjusted HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.71–2.59 for duration >10 y vs HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.03–1.69 for new onset). FRAX significantly underestimated the MOF risk (calibration ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.08–1.39) and hip fracture risk (1.93, 95% CI 1.50–2.35) in those with a diabetes duration longer than 10 years.Conclusion:Diabetes is a FRAX-independent risk factor for MOF only in women with a long duration of diabetes, but diabetes increases hip fracture risk, regardless of duration. Those with diabetes longer than 10 years are at particularly high risk of fracture, and this elevated risk is currently underestimated by FRAX.

Validation of three tools for identifying painful new osteoporotic vertebral fractures in older Chinese men: bone mineral density, Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians, and fracture risk assessment tool.

ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study compared three tools for predicting painful new osteoporotic vertebral fractures (PNOVFs) in older Chinese men: bone mineral density (BMD), the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA), and the World Health Organization fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) (without BMD).MethodsMen aged ≥50 years were apportioned to a group for men with fractures who had undergone percutaneous vertebroplasty (n=111), or a control group of healthy men (n=385). Fractures were verified on X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging. BMD T-scores were determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Diagnosis of osteoporosis was determined by a BMD T-score of ≤2.5 standard deviations below the average for a young adult at peak bone density at the femoral neck, total hip, or L1–L4. Demographic and clinical risk factor data were self-reported through a questionnaire. BMD, OSTA, and FRAX scores were assessed for identifying PNOVFs via receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Optimal cutoff points, sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) were determined.ResultsBetween the men with fractures and the control group, there were significant differences in BMD T-scores (at femoral neck, total hip, and L1–L4), and OSTA and FRAX scores. In those with fractures, only 53.15% satisfied the criteria for osteoporosis. Compared to BMD or OSTA, the FRAX score had the best predictive value for PNOVFs: the AUC of the FRAX score (cutoff =2.9%) was 0.738, and the sensitivity and specificity were 82% and 62%, respectively.ConclusionFRAX may be a valuable tool for identifying PNOVFs in older Chinese men.

How Good is Our Best Guess? Clinical Application of the WHO FRAX Tool in Osteoporotic Fracture Risk Determination and Treatment Decisions.

Historically, treatment decisions for osteoporosis were based on bone mineral density. However, many fractures occur in patients with T-scores outside the osteoporotic range, emphasizing the importance of multi-factorial risk assessments. The World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) predicts 10-year risk of osteoporotic fracture. We hypothesized that physicians' clinical estimates of osteoporotic fracture risk would differ significantly from that calculated by FRAX. Thus, treatment decisions would differ depending whether or not physicians used FRAX. A survey consisting of five clinical scenarios was administered to 76 endocrinologists, family physicians, internists, and internal medicine residents. They were asked to estimate the osteoporotic fracture risk and decide whether they would offer preventative treatment. Their estimates were compared to the risk predicted by FRAX and national treatment threshold guidelines. The primary outcome was the difference between the participant's estimate and the FRAX-based estimate of the 10-year risk of osteoporotic fracture for each scenario. In each scenario, physicians statistically significantly over-estimated fracture risk compared to that predicted by FRAX. Estimates for hip fracture risk were 2-4 times higher than FRAX estimates. The major osteoporotic fracture risk at which participants would offer treatment varied with physician group, with endocrinologists, family physicians, and residents requiring a 10-20% 10-year risk, while internal medicine physician thresholds ranged from 2 to 20%. Physicians greatly over-estimated the risk of hip fracture based on clinical information. FRAX is necessary to accurately quantify risk, but because physicians varied in the level of risk required before they would offer treatment, uniform approaches to risk estimation may still not result in uniform clinical treatment decisions.

Fracture Rates and Bone Density Among Postmenopausal Veteran and Non-Veteran Women From the Women's Health Initiative.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis can impact quality-of-life even prefracture. To determine whether osteoporosis should be a greater concern in women Veterans versus non-Veterans, we compared fracture rates and bone mineral density (BMD) for Veterans and non-Veterans using Women's Health Initiative data. In this cohort study, participants were women aged 50-79 years. Outcomes were hip, central body, and limb fractures occurring during up to 19 years of follow-up and hip, spine, and whole body BMD collected three times over a 6-year period in a participant subsample. Covariates comprised risk factors for fracture, including fall history and other components of the World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX). Cox Proportional Hazards models were used to examine fracture rates for Veterans compared with non-Veterans. Of 161,808 women, 145,521 self-identified as Veteran (n = 3,719) or non-Veteran (n = 141,802). Baseline FRAX scores showed that Veterans had higher 10-year probabilities for any major fracture (13.3 vs 10.2; p < .01) and hip fracture (4.1 vs 2.2; p < .01) compared with non-Veterans. The age-adjusted rate of hip fracture per 1,000 person-years for Veterans was 3.3 versus 2.4 for non-Veterans (p < .01). After adjustment, the hazards ratio for hip fracture was 1.24 (95% confidence interval 1.03-1.49) for Veterans versus non-Veterans. Hazards ratios at other anatomic sites did not differ by Veteran status. Mean BMD at baseline and at Years 3 and 6 also did not differ by Veteran status at any site. Women Veterans had an increased hip fracture rate not explained by differences in well-recognized fracture risk factors.

Beyond mobility assessment: Timed up and go test and its relationship to osteoporosis and fracture risk

BackgroundFracture determinants are falls, bone fragility, imbalance, and decreased lower limb strength. The timed up and go (TUG) test assesses most of the fracture determinants. AimTo assess the relationship between mobility status using TUG test, bone mineral density (BMD), and different fracture risks predicted by different tools. MethodsA case (TUG time > 20 seconds)–control (TUG ≤ 20 seconds) study comprised 66 patients and 72 controls. Participants were assessed for falls, fracture history, and BMD using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry; the estimated 10-year fracture risk was also calculated using both the World Health Organization fracture risk assessment tool and Garvan fracture risk calculator. ResultsPatients had a lower femoral BMD (p = 0.009), T score (p = 0.003), and Z score (p = 0.001). Femur neck osteoporosis had a higher number of patients (p < 0.001). Patients also had lower lumbar BMD (p = 0.02), T-score (p = 0.02), and Z-score (p = 0.005). The estimated 10-year fracture risk for hip and other osteoporotic fractures were higher among the patients using both fracture risk assessment tool and Garvan calculators. ConclusionPoor TUG test results are associated with lower BMD and higher estimated 10 year fracture risk.

Application of the World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool to predict need for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning in postmenopausal women

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of the World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, excluding bone mineral density (pre-BMD FRAX), in identifying Taiwanese postmenopausal women needing dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) examination for further treatment. Materials and methodsThe pre-BMD FRAX score was calculated for 231 postmenopausal women who participated in public health education workshops in the local Keelung community, Taiwan. DXA scanning and vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) were arranged for women classified as intermediate or high risk for fracture using the pre-BMD FRAX fracture probability. ResultsPre-BMD FRAX classified 26 women as intermediate risk and 37 as having high risk for fracture. Subsequent DXA scans for these 63 women showed that 36 were osteoporotic, 19 were osteopenic, and eight had normal bone density. Concurrent VFA revealed 25 spine factures in which 14 were osteoporotic, seven were osteopenic, and four had normal bone density. The efficacy of the pre-BMD FRAX score to identify those patients with low bone mass by DXA was 87.3% (55/63). When VFA was combined with BMD to identify those patients with high risk (osteopenia, osteoporosis, or spinal fracture), the efficacy of the pre-BMD score increased to 93.7% (59/63). According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the overall concordance between pre-BMD FRAX and BMD, expressed through the kappa index, was 0.967. Compared with the evaluation when BMD was used alone, there was a significant increase in efficacy in identifying women who need treatment using BMD plus VFA or FRAX plus BMD. Furthermore, the highest efficacy was achieved when FRAX with BMD and VFA was used. ConclusionThe pre-BMD FRAX score not only efficiently predicts postmenopausal patients who are potentially at risk and might require treatment but also reduces unnecessary DXA use. Concurrent VFA during DXA use increases spine fracture detection. This improvement in diagnostic efficacy allows clinicians to provide the most appropriate therapeutic recommendation.

Cost-effectiveness of fracture prevention in rural women with limited access to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

A reduced reimbursement for office-based dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is likely to exacerbate the burden of fractures in rural areas. Our cost-effective analysis suggests that, in areas where access to DXA is limited, treatment for women at high clinical risk for fractures could both improve health and save money. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various fracture prevention strategies for rural women with limited access to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). A Markov model was developed using data from the published literature and the Manitoba Bone Density Program. The participants were a simulated cohort of rural women aged 65years with travel distance between 10 and 24 mi to the nearest DXA site. The evaluated strategies were (1) watchful waiting, (2) bone mineral density (BMD)-based strategy (i.e., DXA screening followed by pharmacotherapy based on BMD), and (3) clinical risk factor (CRF)-based strategy (i.e., pharmacotherapy for women at high risk for fractures by the World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool [FRAX]). The outcome was an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) measured by cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. The analysis was preformed from a societal perspective over a lifetime horizon. In the base-case analysis, the BMD-based strategy had an ICER of $6000 per QALY gained. For those with travel distance between 25 and 39 mi, the BMD-based strategy would have an ICER of $140,800 per QALY gained. For those with travel distance greater than 40 mi, the CRF-based strategy would be more effective and less costly than other strategies. In areas where DXA is readily available, DXA screening followed by pharmacotherapy guided by BMD would be preferred. In areas with more limited access to DXA, pharmacotherapy for women at high clinical risk for fractures based on FRAX could both improve health and save money from the societal perspective.

The FRAX ® as a predictor of mortality in Japanese incident hemodialysis patients: an observational, follow-up study.

The World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX(®)) was recently developed to estimate the 10-year absolute risk of osteoporotic fracture among the general population. However, the evidence for its use in chronic kidney disease patients has been lacking, and the association between the FRAX(®) and mortality is unknown. Therefore, a hospital-based, prospective, cohort study was conducted to evaluate the predictive ability of the FRAX(®) for mortality in hemodialysis patients. A total of 252 patients who had been started on maintenance hemodialysis, 171 men and 81 women, with a mean age of 67 ± 14 years, was studied. The endpoint was defined as all-cause death. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. During the mean follow-up period of 3.4 ± 2.7 years, 61 deaths occurred. The median (interquartile range) of the FRAX(®) for major osteoporotic fracture was 6.9 (4.6-12.0) % in men and 19.0 (7.6-33.0) % in women. Cumulative survival rates at 5 years after starting dialysis, with the FRAX(®) levels above and below the median, were 51.9 and 87.9 %, respectively, in men and 67.4 and 83.7 %, respectively, in women. Overall, in men, the multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that the log-transformed FRAX(®) remained an independent predictor of death after adjusting by confounding variables. However, in women, the significant association between the FRAX(®) value and the outcome was eliminated if age was put into these models. Among Japanese hemodialysis patients, the FRAX(®) seems to be useful for predicting death, especially in men.

Can the FRAX tool be a useful aid for clinicians in referring women for periodontal care?

This study aims to compare periodontitis severity in postmenopausal women whose FRAX (World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) scores indicate a major risk for osteoporotic fracture (OPF) versus controls. Participant charts from the Case/Cleveland Clinic Postmenopausal Wellness Collaboration 853-sample database were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: (1) aged between 51 and 80 years; (2) menopause for more than 1 year but less than 10 years; (3) nonsmoker; (4) hemoglobin A1c less than 7; and (5) no glucocorticoid, hormone, RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand) inhibitor, or bisphosphonate therapy within 5 years. FRAX score was calculated, and participants were organized into two groups: women with major OPF risk (FRAX scores >20%) and controls. Periodontal data were obtained from the charts. T test was used to assess differences in periodontal parameters between groups. Ninety participants had FRAX scores higher than 20% and were considered to have high OPF risk; 98 participants served as controls. Probing depth (mean [SD], 2.75 [0.66] vs 2.2 [0.57]), clinical attachment loss (3.15 [0.78] vs 2.73 [0.66]), alveolar bone height (0.58 [0.03] vs 0.60 [0.02]), and tooth loss (5.6 [1.96] vs 3.84 [1.94]) were significantly different between groups, whereas plaque score and bleeding on probing were not. Postmenopausal women whose FRAX scores suggest major OPF risk have significantly more severe periodontitis endpoints than controls even though oral hygiene scores do not significantly differ. These findings suggest to clinicians treating women after menopause that referral to a periodontist for disease screening may be appropriate for those women with high fracture risk based on FRAX scores.