How to use methods designed for fracture risk assessment in daily practice

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to present the optimal way of use in daily practice the methods designed for fracture risk assessment.

Material and methods: The study presents methods designed for fracture risk assessment. Among the long list of available methods, only some may be recommended for use in daily practice. Obvious necessity of simplicity, short duration of calculation of fracture risk, and reliability of method clearly indicate that only algorithms available as Webpage fulfil these expectations. Algorithms FRAX, Garvan, Qfracture, and POL-RISK allow for quick assessment according to the described conditions. Fracture risk is commonly established for the next 10 years for hip, major, or any fractures and expressed by percent of risk.

Results: The essential conditions of optimal use of methods for fracture risk assessment were presented and discussed. The following points were included: methodology, conformity, and recommended thresholds as medical and economic considerations.

Conclusions: The optimal use of methods designed for fracture risk assessment require several steps. Independently of these essential conditions, one should remember that always in management each patient must be individually assessed. The pharmacologic therapy should always be started according to the level of fracture risk and other factors not included in the assessment of fracture risk.

Keywords: fracture probability; fracture risk; osteoporosis; women.