New guidance for osteoporosis

The Osteoporosis HealthPathway has been updated in line with the latest RACGP guidance.

A key emphasis is on case finding rather than population screening. Clinicians are encouraged to use tools such as the FRAX risk calculator to assess fracture risk.

FRAX can be applied with or without bone mineral density results, making it particularly useful in primary care to guide decisions about further investigations and treatment.

The pathway also provides updated advice on identifying and managing patients at very high fracture risk – including those with recent minimal-trauma fracture, multiple fractures, very low bone density, or high FRAX probability.

These patients should be referred early for specialist assessment and consideration of newer agents such as Romosozumab or Teriparatide.

Targeted case finding and timely treatment, including referral for newer therapies where appropriate, are key to reducing fracture burden.

More information to support management of osteoporosis is available on the following HealthPathways:

• Osteoporosis
• Medications for Osteoporosis
• Osteoporosis and Refracture Prevention Assessment
• Bone Density Scan (DEXA)
• Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ)