Fracture risk calculation tool enhances dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan referral pathway in cirrhosis patients.

Objectives: Liver cirrhosis is associated with osteoporosis leading to an increased risk of fractures. We aimed to establish whether a risk stratification strategy using a fracture risk calculation tool (FRAX) to determine which patients should receive a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan is effective in reducing scan rates without compromising sensitivity for detecting osteoporosis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 252 patients with liver cirrhosis attending hepatoma surveillance clinics.