How to use properly the POL-RISK algorithm developed for 10-year prediction of osteoporotic fractures in daily practice.

Introduction: Osteoporosis is one of the most common diseases in elderly subjects. Accurate assessment of fracture risk is essential in the management of osteoporotic patients. The aim of the study was to present the optimal manner of using a method designed for fracture risk prediction, e.g. POL-RISK, in daily practice.

Material and methods: Methods for fracture prediction were presented, especially those which allow easy and quick online assessment. In addition to true medical aspect, e.g. the ability to accurately detect high fracture risk patients who need therapy, the economic aspects were also presented. Due to the enormous number of osteoporotic patients the therapy should be indicated mainly in patients with high fracture risk. The optimal threshold of fracture risk for the initiation of reimbursed therapy should be established as a compromise of prior established medical threshold and economic aspects. The expected endpoint is the reduction of new fractures noted in longitudinal observation.

Conclusion: Implementation of the described scenario should enable the development of the optimal model of care in osteoporotic subjects. Broad use of fracture risk thresholds to initiate reimbursed therapy, encompassing both true medical and economic aspects, should result in the reduction of osteoporotic fractures and decrease overall osteoporosis-related costs to the healthcare system.