Sheffield FRAX Score Calculator

FRAX Equation:

\[ FRAX(\%) = f(Age, Sex, Weight, Height, Previous\ fracture, Parent\ fractured\ hip, Current\ smoking, Glucocorticoids, Rheumatoid\ arthritis, Secondary\ osteoporosis, Alcohol\ 3+\ units/day, Femoral\ neck\ BMD) \]

Age:

years

Sex:

Weight:

Height:

Previous Fracture:

Parent Fractured Hip:

Current Smoking:

Glucocorticoids:

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Secondary Osteoporosis:

Alcohol 3+ units/day:

Femoral Neck BMD:

g/cm² (optional)

10-year Fracture Risk (FRAX %):

Unit Converter ▲

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From:	To:

1. What is the FRAX Score?

The FRAX® score is a computer-based algorithm that estimates the 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture (hip, clinical spine, humerus, or wrist fracture) and the 10-year probability of hip fracture. It was developed by the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases at the University of Sheffield.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the FRAX algorithm:

Where:

Age — Between 40-90 years
Sex — Male or Female
Weight — Body weight in kg
Height — Height in cm
Previous fracture — History of prior fragility fracture
Parent fractured hip — Parental history of hip fracture
Current smoking — Current tobacco smoking
Glucocorticoids — Current or past use of oral glucocorticoids
Rheumatoid arthritis — Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Secondary osteoporosis — Conditions associated with osteoporosis
Alcohol — 3 or more units of alcohol per day
BMD — Femoral neck bone mineral density (optional)

3. Importance of Fracture Risk Assessment

Details: The FRAX score helps clinicians identify patients at high risk of osteoporotic fractures who may benefit from treatment. It provides a more personalized assessment than BMD alone.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required information. BMD is optional but increases accuracy. The calculator is validated for ages 40-90. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a high FRAX score?
A: Generally, ≥20% for major osteoporotic fracture or ≥3% for hip fracture indicates high risk, but thresholds vary by country and guidelines.

Q2: Can FRAX be used without BMD?
A: Yes, FRAX can be calculated with clinical risk factors alone, but inclusion of BMD increases accuracy.

Q3: How often should FRAX be recalculated?
A: Reassessment every 2-5 years is reasonable, or when significant changes occur in risk factors.

Q4: Does FRAX apply to all ethnic groups?
A: FRAX has country-specific models for many populations. Use the model most appropriate for your patient.

Q5: Can FRAX predict treatment response?
A: No, FRAX predicts baseline risk. Treatment decisions should consider both baseline risk and expected treatment benefit.