RESEARCH - New algorithm predicts osteoporotic fractures

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New Algorithm Predicts Osteoporotic Fractures

November 24, 2009 — Two new algorithms can predict the risk for

osteoporotic fracture in a primary care setting without the need for

laboratory measurements and will help identify patients at high risk

who could benefit from risk-reducing interventions, according to a new

report published in the November 19 Online First issue of the BMJ.

" Osteoporotic fractures are a major and increasing cause of morbidity

in the population and a considerable burden to health services. Hip

fractures, in particular, result in considerable pain, loss of

function, and admission to hospital, making prevention a high priority

for patients and physicians and for public health, " write

Hippisley-, MD, and Carol Coupland, MD, from the University of

Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom. " The challenge now is to

improve methods for accurate identification of individuals at high

risk who might benefit from a therapeutic or preventive intervention. "

Two New Algorithms Developed

To that end, the investigators developed and validated 2 new fracture

risk algorithms, called QFractureScores, for their value in estimating

an individual's 10-year risk for osteoporotic or hip fracture.

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Read the entire article here:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/712958

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