When should treatment be considered using the FRAX system?

Using the FRAX system, treatment should be considered when the hip fracture risk exceeds 3% or the major osteoporotic fracture risk exceeds 20%. This threshold is important because it helps identify individuals at significant risk for fractures who may benefit from interventions to strengthen bone health.

The 3% hip fracture risk and the 20% major osteoporotic fracture risk are based on clinical guidelines which aim to prevent fractures in at-risk populations. The FRAX tool provides a nuanced assessment of fracture risk by taking into account various clinical risk factors and bone mineral density where available, allowing healthcare providers to make informed decisions about initiating treatment in individuals who are at heightened risk for these serious complications of osteoporosis.

By focusing on these specific thresholds, the FRAX system allows for targeted treatment strategies, ensuring that those who stand to benefit the most from intervention are identified. This approach balances the need for effective fracture prevention with the implications of initiating treatment and the associated costs and potential side effects.