FRAX
Given the lack of reliability for DEXA predicting who will fracture, what if we could improve predictions by using risk factors with or without bone density? The WHO championed the FRAX calculator to do just this. FRAX uses risk factors to predict ten-year risk for hip and all fractures.
FRAX can be used in two ways:
Treatment for osteoporosis is indicated when FRAX predicts a 3%, ten-year risk of hip fracture or a 20% ten-year risk of all osteoporotic fractures.
DEXA screening for women younger than 65 who have a FRAX ten-year risk of 9.3% for all osteoporotic fractures.