Frax Score Calculator

Osteoporosis and related fractures are serious public health concerns, especially among older adults. A widely recognized and evidence-based method for estimating fracture risk is the FRAX Score—a tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Our online FRAX Score Calculator helps you assess your 10-year probability of experiencing a major osteoporotic fracture (hip, spine, forearm, or shoulder) and hip fracture, using key health inputs.

Whether you’re concerned about your bone health, have a family history of osteoporosis, or want to understand your future risks, this tool provides instant and easy-to-understand results.

🔍 What Is the FRAX Score?

The FRAX Score (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) uses clinical risk factors—with or without bone mineral density (BMD) data—to estimate the 10-year probability of fracture. It’s a valuable decision-making aid for patients and healthcare providers, especially when considering osteoporosis treatment options.

The score accounts for factors such as age, gender, weight, height, lifestyle habits (like smoking or alcohol use), family history, and certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

🛠️ How to Use the FRAX Score Calculator: Step-by-Step

Using our FRAX Score Calculator is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Enter Your Age – The calculator is intended for adults aged 40 to 90 years.
  2. Select Your Gender – Choose either male or female, as risk models vary.
  3. Input Your Weight – In kilograms (kg), to determine your BMI.
  4. Enter Your Height – In centimeters (cm), also used for BMI.
  5. Indicate Any Previous Fracture – Select “Yes” if you’ve had a bone fracture as an adult.
  6. Parent Hip Fracture History – Select “Yes” if a parent suffered a hip fracture.
  7. Smoking Status – Indicate whether you’re a current smoker.
  8. Glucocorticoid Use – These are corticosteroid medications; mark “Yes” if you take them regularly.
  9. Rheumatoid Arthritis – Choose “Yes” if you’ve been diagnosed with RA.
  10. Secondary Osteoporosis – This includes conditions like type 1 diabetes, untreated hyperthyroidism, etc.
  11. Alcohol Intake – Select “Yes” if you consume three or more units per day.
  12. Femoral Neck T-score – Enter your most recent T-score from a bone density scan (DEXA), if available.

Once all fields are completed:

  • Click “Calculate” to generate your FRAX Score.
  • Your Major Osteoporotic Fracture Risk and Hip Fracture Risk (in percentages) will be displayed.
  • Click “Reset” to clear the form and start over.

📊 Example: Calculating a FRAX Score

Let’s walk through an example:

  • Age: 65
  • Gender: Female
  • Weight: 60 kg
  • Height: 160 cm
  • Previous Fracture: Yes
  • Parental Hip Fracture: No
  • Smoking: No
  • Glucocorticoids: No
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: No
  • Secondary Osteoporosis: No
  • Alcohol ≥3 units/day: No
  • T-score: -2.8

Upon calculation:

  • Major Fracture Risk: ~22.1%
  • Hip Fracture Risk: ~5.3%

This suggests moderate to high risk and would likely prompt further investigation or treatment.

💡 Why Use the FRAX Score?

🦴 Evidence-Based

The FRAX model is based on extensive population-based research and helps guide clinical decisions.

📈 Early Detection

Identifying fracture risk early allows for lifestyle adjustments and medical interventions before a fracture occurs.

🧪 Optional Bone Density Input

Even without a T-score, the calculator offers useful estimations.

🩺 Medical Planning

Helps doctors decide whether bone-strengthening treatments (like bisphosphonates) are necessary.

🏥 Use Cases & Practical Applications

  • Primary Care Clinics: Screen postmenopausal women and older men.
  • Orthopedic Assessments: Evaluate fracture risk post-injury.
  • Endocrinology: Manage osteoporosis in diabetic patients.
  • Preventive Medicine: Guide calcium and vitamin D supplementation plans.
  • Telemedicine: Offer remote assessments without requiring BMD results.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a FRAX score used for?

The FRAX score estimates your 10-year probability of suffering a major osteoporotic or hip fracture.

2. Do I need a T-score to use the calculator?

No, but providing a T-score increases the accuracy of your results.

3. What is a “major osteoporotic fracture”?

It includes fractures of the spine, forearm, hip, or shoulder.

4. Is the FRAX Score Calculator a replacement for a doctor’s diagnosis?

No. It’s a tool to guide discussions with your healthcare provider.

5. What T-score indicates osteoporosis?

A T-score of -2.5 or lower is diagnostic of osteoporosis.

6. Does BMI affect fracture risk?

Yes. Low BMI (especially <19) increases your fracture risk.

7. Can men use the FRAX Score Calculator?

Yes. It provides gender-specific risk predictions.

8. How accurate is this online FRAX calculator?

It uses a simplified model based on the WHO FRAX methodology, offering close approximations.

9. What if I’m under 40?

The FRAX tool is validated for ages 40–90 only.

10. Does glucocorticoid use really increase fracture risk?

Yes. Long-term steroid use reduces bone density significantly.

11. How often should I check my FRAX score?

Every 1–2 years or when health status changes significantly.

12. Can lifestyle changes reduce my FRAX score?

Yes. Diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and alcohol reduction can help.

13. What does a 20% FRAX score mean?

It means there’s a 20% chance of a major fracture within 10 years.

14. Is the FRAX tool used worldwide?

Yes, but country-specific adjustments are made in official tools. This version provides a general estimate.

15. How do I interpret the hip fracture percentage?

A value above 3% often triggers further medical evaluation.

16. Can I use this for someone else, like a parent?

Yes, provided you have accurate data.

17. What are “secondary osteoporosis” conditions?

They include chronic diseases like diabetes, celiac disease, and hyperparathyroidism.

18. What are glucocorticoids?

Steroid medications often used for conditions like asthma, arthritis, or lupus.

19. What if my FRAX score is high?

You should consult a doctor for further testing or possible medication.

20. Does FRAX apply after a fracture has occurred?

Yes. Previous fractures are factored in and raise your risk of future fractures.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Our FRAX Score Calculator is a convenient and reliable tool to help assess your risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. While it doesn’t replace a professional diagnosis, it serves as a powerful first step in preventive bone health management.

Knowing your fracture risk empowers you to take action—through diet, lifestyle, or medical intervention—before problems occur. Use this tool regularly, especially as you age or experience changes in health.