Abstract:
Due to the magnitude of the morbidity and mortality associated with untreated osteoporosis, it is essential that high-risk individuals be identified so that they can receive appropriate evaluation and treatment. The objective of this investigation was to develop a simple clinical assessment tool based on a small number of risk factors that could be used by women or their clinicians to assess their risk of fractures. Using data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF), a total of 7782 women age 65 years and older with bone mineral density (BMD) measurements and baseline risk factors were included in the analysis. A model with and without BMD T-scores was developed by identifying variables that could be easily assessed in either clinical practice or by self-administration. The assessment tool, called the FRACTURE Index, is comprised of a set of seven variables that include age, BMD T-score, fracture after age 50 years, maternal hip fracture after age 50, weight less than or equal to 125 pounds (57 kg), smoking status, and use of arms to stand up from a chair. The FRACTURE Index was shown to be predictive of hip fracture, as well as vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. In addition, this index was validated using the EPIDOS fracture study. The FRACTURE Index can be used either with or without BMD testing by older postmenopausal women or their clinicians to assess the 5-year risk of hip and other osteoporotic fractures, and could be useful in helping to determine the need for further evaluation and treatment of these women.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 7 November 2000 / Accepted: 23 May 2001
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Black, D., Steinbuch, M., Palermo, L. et al. An Assessment Tool for Predicting Fracture Risk in Postmenopausal Women . Osteoporos Int 12, 519–528 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001980170072
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001980170072