Using FRAX to assess the risk that an older person will suffer a fragility fracture.

A challenge of planning for local health services is how to prevent the effects of diseases of older age in order to reduce individual suffering and also wider economic costs to society. This article discusses FRAX® (Fracture Risk Assessment), a computer-based algorithm that allows 10-year probability of a hip and osteoporotic fracture calculation in people aged 40-90 years. The inclusion of FRAX within the portfolio of risk assessment measures available to community nurses is recommended to aid identification and referral of clients at risk of fragility fractures.