[FRAX fracture risk calculator in the diagnostics and treatment of osteoporosis].

Screening, diagnostics and treatment of primary osteoporosis must take place on an outpatient basis. FRAX is a computer-based algorithm developed at WHO as a tool for outpatient care with the aim to recognize patients having an increased fracture risk and bring them within effective care. Special attention should be focused on secondary prevention for those having already had a fracture. Instead of replacing clinical evaluation or decision-making, FRAX serves as an aid for them. It is hoped that the use of the FRAX calculator will reduce the number of unnecessary bone density testings and "blind" initiations of osteoporosis treatments.