New FRAX tools launched at osteoporosis meeting

The fracture risk assessment tool, FRAX, is now available in two new formats: the FRAX Pad, a multilingual tear sheet, and the FRAX iPhone application.

FRAX is a simple web tool that evaluates the 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture for both men and women. The algorithm is based on individual patient models and integrates several clinical risk factors as well as bone mineral density. FRAX was developed at the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Metabolic Bone Diseases at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.

The FRAX Pad is a one-page questionnaire in easy tear-sheet form that can be completed by patients in the doctor’s waiting room, a practice nurse or a physician. It is anticipated to be particularly useful in locations without internet or computer access. In its first stage, the FRAX Pad will be available in English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Swedish.

Similarly, the iPhone FRAX application aims to make the diagnostic tool more accessible for patients and providers. Software developers claim that the program, developed specifically for the iPhone, will provide fast and portable physician access to the risk calculator. FRAX, by Doctot, is currently available for purchase via the Apple App Store.

Before the launch of these tools, FRAX was only accessible as an online questionnaire in clinical settings using the internet.

“Greater accessibility will help more doctors make informed treatment decisions, ensuring that high-risk individuals are identified and ultimately leading to the more effective management of patients with osteoporosis,” John A. Kanis, MD, developer of the FRAX tool, said in a press release.

The FRAX Pad and iPhone application were launched at the International Osteoporosis Foundation’s World Congress on Osteoporosis 2010 in Florence, Italy.

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