Effects of FRAX+SARC-F Pre-screening on Preventing Fragility Fracture and Fall in Community-dwelling Older Adults

Hip fragility fractures are a major threat to functional independence in older adults locally and globally. In Hong Kong, the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in people aged >50 years were reported to be as high as 37% and 52%, respectively. The major challenge in fragility fracture prevention is that fragility fracture is caused by the combination of osteoporosis and propensity to fall, and both of these conditions are multifactorial. Ample evidence shows that fall risks can be reduced by well-designed exercises, and osteoporosis can be effectively diagnosed by Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry imaging (DXA) and treated with anti-osteoporosis medication. Lifestyle modifications e.g. diet, optimal physical activity, environmental safety can also help to prevent falls or improve bone health. The brief Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) and SARC-F provide a low cost of prescreening for fracture risk and sarcopenia, respectively. Using SARC-F in conjunction with FRAX has increased sensitivity for hip fracture risk prediction. FRAX+SARC-F may help increase the public awareness of osteoporosis and get the at-risk group to receive diagnostic tests and be treated. This model should fit in well with the coming District Health Centres across Hong Kong.