What age range is FRAX used for in risk assessment?

• A. 30-70
• B. 20-60
• C. 40-90
• D. 50-100

Answer: (C)

FRAX, or the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, is specifically designed to evaluate fracture risk in individuals. It is utilized for men and women aged between 40 and 90 years. This age range is critical because it encompasses the typical onset of osteoporosis-related fractures while also accounting for the increasing risk associated with aging.

The tool considers various clinical risk factors, as well as bone mineral density (BMD) if available, to estimate the 10-year probability of experiencing a major osteoporotic fracture or a hip fracture specifically. The inclusion of ages starting from 40 allows for early identification and intervention in individuals who may be at risk, while capping at age 90 reflects the relevance of the assessment across a wide range of older adults, who are more susceptible to fractures due to decreased bone density and other health factors.