GPs are now advised to use the Fracture Risk Assessment tool to determine future risk of major osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women and men over 50, according to updated guidance.

Patients should be referred for dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) if their fracture risk is ≥10%, with the BMD result used to re-stratify their risk, while bisphosphonates can be used as first-line therapy for osteopenia.

The guidelines, endorsed by the RACGP and Healthy Bones Australia, include 45 recommendations for risk assessment, fracture prevention, pharmacotherapy and ongoing monitoring.

There is also a special issues section focusing on frail patients and over-75s, those receiving cancer treatment and those with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.