Is fall risk directly included in the FRAX calculator?

• A. Yes, it is included
• B. No, it does not directly include fall risk
• C. Only for elderly individuals
• D. It is partially included

Answer: (B)

The FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) calculator is designed to estimate the 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture for individuals at risk. It incorporates various risk factors such as age, sex, weight, height, previous fractures, parental history of hip fracture, smoking status, alcohol intake, and glucocorticoid use. However, fall risk itself is not one of the parameters that the FRAX tool directly accounts for.

The reasoning behind the exclusion of fall risk is that while falls are a significant contributor to fractures, the tool focuses on risk factors that have been quantitatively validated in research studies. Fall risk is usually assessed through different clinical evaluations or tools that take into consideration functional status, balance, and environmental factors, not just an individual's medical history or demographics.

Thus, option B is correct, as it accurately states that fall risk does not directly factor into the FRAX calculator's assessments. This understanding is essential for bone densitometry practitioners who need to identify potential fracture risks for their patients beyond what FRAX provides.