BONEcheck: a digital tool for personalized bone health assessment

Abstract

Background and Aim: Osteoporotic fracture is a significant public health burden associated with increased mortality risk and substantial healthcare costs. Accurate and early identification of high-risk individuals and mitigation of their risks is a core part of the treatment and prevention of fractures. We aimed to introduce a digital tool called 'BONEcheck' for personalized bone health assessment. Methods: The development of BONEcheck primarily utilized data from the prospective population-based Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study and the Danish Nationwide Registry. BONEcheck has 3 modules: input data, risk estimates, and risk context. Input variables include age, gender, prior fracture, fall incidence, bone mineral density (BMD), comorbidities, and genetic variants associated with BMD. By utilizing published methodologies, BONEcheck generates output related to the likelihood of fracture and its associated outcomes. The vocabulary utilized to convey risk estimation and management is tailored to individuals with a reading proficiency at level 8 or above. Results: The tool is designed for men and women aged 50 years and older who either have or have not sustained a fracture. Based on the input variables, BONEcheck estimates the probability of any fragility and hip fracture within 5 years, skeletal age, subsequent fracture, genetic risk score, and recommended interval for repeating BMD. The probability of fracture is shown in both numeric and human icon array formats. The risk is also presented in the context of treatment and management options based on Australian guidelines. Skeletal age was estimated as the sum of chronological age and years of life lost due to a fracture or exposure to risk factors that elevate mortality risk. In its entirety, BONEcheck is a system of algorithms translated into a single platform for personalized osteoporosis and fracture risk assessment. Conclusions: BONEcheck is a new system of algorithms that aims to offer not only fracture risk probability but also contextualize the efficacy of anti-fracture measures concerning the survival benefits. The tool can enable doctors and patients to engage in well-informed discussions and make decisions based on the patient's risk profile. Public access to BONEcheck is available via https://bonecheck.org and in Apple Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).