World Osteoporosis Day is observed every year on the 20th of October. This day is dedicated to creating awareness about osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.

Osteoporosis is a common disease that affects both men and women, especially those above the age of 50. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects approximately 200 million women worldwide and results in a fracture every three seconds.

Osteoporosis is often referred to as a “silent disease” because it does not show any symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Therefore, it is crucial to detect osteoporosis early to prevent fractures and reduce the risk of disability and mortality. One way to detect osteoporosis is through a quick screening test. In this article, we will discuss a quick osteoporosis screening test that can be done at home.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and fragile, leading to an increased risk of fractures.

Normal bone tissue is replaced by weaker, less dense tissue, resulting in bones that are less able to support the body and withstand stress. Osteoporosis is often referred to as a “silent disease” because it progresses without any symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Who is at Risk of Developing Osteoporosis?

Anyone can develop osteoporosis, but several factors increase the risk, including:.

Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
Age: Bone density decreases with age, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Family history: Osteoporosis can run in families.
Low body weight: People with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 20 are at higher risk of osteoporosis.
Menopause: Women who go through menopause are at increased risk of osteoporosis due to a decrease in estrogen levels.
Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Nutrition: A diet low in calcium and vitamin D can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Quick Osteoporosis Screening Test

A quick and simple way to screen for osteoporosis at home is by using an online questionnaire called the FRAX tool.

FRAX stands for Fracture Risk Assessment Tool and was developed by the World Health Organization to help predict a person’s risk of developing a fracture due to osteoporosis.

The FRAX tool takes into account several risk factors for osteoporosis, including age, gender, BMI, family history, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

The tool estimates the probability of a major osteoporotic fracture (spine, hip, forearm, or shoulder) over the next ten years by using a complex algorithm that takes into account several factors.

To use the FRAX tool, you need to answer a series of questions about your age, gender, weight, height, medical history, and lifestyle factors. The tool will then calculate your 10-year fracture risk based on your answers.

Your physician can use the results to determine the appropriate course of action, which may include further screening or treatment for osteoporosis.

How to Use the FRAX Tool

Using the FRAX tool is easy and only requires a few minutes. Here’s how to use it:.

Go to the FRAX website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/FRAX/tool.aspx?lang=en.
Select your country from the dropdown list.
Enter your age and gender.
Enter your weight and height.
Answer the questions about your medical history and lifestyle factors.
Click “Calculate” to see your 10-year fracture risk.

Interpreting Your FRAX Results

Your FRAX results will show your 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture and your 10-year probability of a hip fracture. The results are expressed as a percentage.

If your 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture is less than 10%, you are considered to be at low risk of fractures.

If your 10-year probability is between 10% and 20%, you are at moderate risk, and if it is greater than 20%, you are at high risk.

If your 10-year probability of a hip fracture is less than 3%, you are considered to be at low risk. If your probability is between 3% and 10%, you are at moderate risk, and if it is greater than 10%, you are at high risk.

Next Steps

If your FRAX results show that you are at moderate or high risk of fractures, your physician may recommend further screening for osteoporosis. This may include a bone density test, also known as a DEXA scan.

A DEXA scan uses X-rays to measure bone density and can detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs.

Your physician may also recommend lifestyle changes to help prevent osteoporosis or slow its progression. These may include increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis is a common and serious disease that increases the risk of fractures and can lead to disability and mortality. Detecting osteoporosis early is crucial in preventing fractures and reducing the risk of complications.

Using the FRAX tool is a quick and easy way to screen for osteoporosis at home and can help identify individuals who are at risk of fractures. If your FRAX results show that you are at moderate or high risk of fractures, talk to your physician about further screening and lifestyle changes to help prevent osteoporosis.