International discussions on FRAX smooth the way for implementation in clinical practice

Three days of critical international discussion and debate, led by a panel of experts from the International Society of Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) and the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), have served to clarify a number of important questions pertaining to the interpretation and use of FRAX® in clinical practice. The WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®), with models for some 26 countries, is an important new online tool that is being used by a steadily increasing number of physicians around the world. FRAX® is country-specific and calculates a patient's 10-year probability of fracture based on scientifically validated risk factors, with or without the input of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) values. Previously, doctors tended to rely primarily on BMD values in making treatment decisions.

The ISCD-IOF FRAX® Initiative Conference, which closed in Bucharest on November 13, 2010, provided a timely forum for critical discussion and debate. The outcomes will be reflected in comprehensive educational documents designed to assist healthcare providers in integrating FRAX® into their daily practice.

"This joint initiative with ISCD has served to clarify a number of important questions pertaining to the application of FRAX® in patient care. The discussions have provided a sound platform for the evidence-based use of the FRAX® tool in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures worldwide," said Professor Cyrus Cooper, chair of the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors and co-chair of the Bucharest conference.

As a developer of the tool at the University of Sheffield in the U.K., Professor Eugene McCloskey stated, "It's been an incredibly useful meeting. The educational component has been excellent and the whole exercise has helped to improve people's understanding of FRAX® and its interpretation in clinical practice."

"It has been a nonstop marathon of high level scientific and clinical discussions carried out in a professional and good spirit. These three days were preceded by twelve months of hard work by more than 50 osteoporosis and epidemiology experts from around the world. We have clearly made a significant step forward in the interpretation and use of the FRAX® tool for clinical practitioners and have outlined avenues of future improvements," said PD Dr. Didier Hans, president of the International Society of Clinical Densitometry and chair of the Bucharest conference.

Source: International Osteoporosis Foundation