ortho-trauma

CAROC System — Fracture Risk Assessment

Canadian Association of Radiologists and Osteoporosis Canada (CAROC) system for 10-year major osteoporotic fracture risk. Uses BMD T-score, age, sex, and clinical risk factors. Simplified alternative to FRAX in Canadian practice.

Used in: Osteoporosis

Score interpretation

Low Fracture Risk (<10%) 0–3

CAROC — Low 10-year fracture risk (<10%)

→ Calcium 1000–1200 mg/day (dietary preferred); Vitamin D 800–2000 IU/day; weight-bearing exercise; fall prevention; reassess in 5 years or sooner if risk changes

Moderate Fracture Risk (10–20%) 4–6

CAROC — Moderate 10-year fracture risk (10–20%)

→ Optimise calcium and vitamin D; fall prevention programme; consider pharmacotherapy if additional risk factors (e.g. glucocorticoid use, falls history); reassess in 1–3 years; consider FRAX for more precise individual risk estimation

High Fracture Risk (>20%) 7–17

CAROC — High 10-year fracture risk (>20%)

→ Pharmacological treatment recommended: bisphosphonate (alendronate or risedronate first-line); denosumab or zoledronic acid alternatives; calcium + vitamin D supplementation; fall prevention; treat secondary causes; monitor BMD after 2 years of treatment; consider referral to osteoporosis specialist

Interpretation bands for the CAROC. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Leslie WD et al. Fracture risk assessment without bone density measurement in routine clinical practice: the Canadian approach. Osteoporos Int. 2012;23(12):2789–2796.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

FRAX Score (Fracture Risk Assessment) · Osteoporosis

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

Related