3.2 Fracture Risk Assessment:

This understanding has led to an increased focus on fracture risk assessment, rather than simply an osteoporosis diagnosis. Accurate prediction of fracture risk allows for appropriate prevention strategies to be tried. This will help to reduce the occurrence of fractures

Fracture risk (expressed as a percentage risk over a period of time) is usually presented as two figures: firstly, a risk or probability of major osteoporotic fractures (MOF), which comprises hip, spine, wrist or humeral fractures, over the defined time frame. Secondly, a risk or probability of hip fracture, over the defined time frame.

Whilst a range of fracture risk assessment tools have been developed, there are just two which are endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2017), namely FRAX and Qfracture.

3.1 Identifying those at higher risk of fracture