Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Assessing the risk of osteoporotic fractures: the Ecuadorian FRAX model
Enrique Lopez Gavilanez1,2, Helena Johansson3,4, Eugene McCloskey5,6
1AECE Research Group from Association of Clinical Endocrinologists of Ecuador, Avenida de la Américas S/N y E.Noboa, Guayaquil, Ecuador. enrique_lopezg57@hotmail.com.
Abstract:
The FRAX tool incorporates data on the incidence of fractures and mortality in each country. The epidemiology of fractures changes over time, this makes it necessary to update the specific FRAX model of each population. It is shown that there are differences between old and new FRAX models in older individuals.
Purpose:
A new FRAX® model for Ecuador was released online in April 2019. This paper describes the data used to build the revised model, its characteristics, and how intervention and assessment thresholds were constructed.
Methods:
The national rates of hip fracture incidence standardized by age and sex from the age of 40 years for 2016 were used to synthesize a FRAX model for Ecuador. For other major fractures, Ecuadorian incidence rates were calculated using ratios obtained in Malmö, Sweden, for other major osteoporotic fractures. The new FRAX model was compared with the previous model released in 2012. Assessment and intervention thresholds were based on age-specific probabilities of a major osteoporotic fracture equivalent to women with a previous fracture.
Results:
Fracture incidence rates increase with age. The probability of hip or major fractures at 10 years increased in patients with a clinical risk factor, lower BMI, female sex, a higher age, and a lower BMD T-score. Compared to the previous model, the new FRAX model gave similar 10-year fracture probabilities in men and women age less than70 years but substantially higher above this age. Notwithstanding, there were very close correlations in fracture probabilities between the two models (> 0.99) so that the revision had little impact on the rank order of risk.
Conclusions:
The FRAX tool provides a country-specific fracture prediction model for Ecuador. This update of the model is based on the original FRAX methodology, which has been validated externally in several independent cohorts. The FRAX model is an evolving tool that is being continuously refined, as the databases of each country are updated with more epidemiological information.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Design Example: Analyzing Capacity Contours for Flood Risk Assessment
01:12Relative Risk
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:29Nursing Assessment
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments...