Fracturerisico

Fracturerisico, or fracture risk, is the probability that an individual will sustain a fracture within a defined period, typically 10 years. It arises from the interaction of bone strength and the likelihood of a traumatic event or fall. Bone strength depends on bone density and bone quality; fracture risk increases with age and is higher in people with osteoporosis, particularly postmenopausal women, though it is influenced by sex, comorbidities, medications, and lifestyle factors.

Assessment of fracturerisico commonly uses clinical tools such as FRAX, QRISK-style models, or other fracture risk calculators. These models estimate the 10-year probability of hip fracture and of a major osteoporotic fracture by integrating clinical risk factors (age, sex, body mass index, prior fragility fracture, family history, smoking, alcohol use, corticosteroid exposure, and other secondary causes of osteoporosis) and, when available, bone mineral density measured by DXA. DXA results provide a T-score that helps quantify bone loss and, together with age, informs risk estimates.

Common fractures associated with high fracture risk include hip, vertebral compression, distal radius, and proximal humerus fractures. The consequences can be severe, leading to chronic pain, disability, reduced mobility, loss of independence, and increased mortality, especially after hip fracture.

Prevention emphasizes addressing modifiable factors and, for those at high risk, pharmacologic therapy such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, or anabolic agents. Lifestyle measures include adequate calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise, smoking cessation, limiting alcohol, and implementing fall-prevention strategies. Limitations of risk models include their reliance on population data and potential under- or overestimation for individuals, and they may not fully capture all factors related to falls or frailty.