[Daily practice using the guidelines for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Fracture risk assessment with Japanese guideline].

The diagnostic criteria of osteoporosis in Japan is comprised of low bone mineral density and presence of fragile fractures as risk factors for further fractures. In addition, the importance of differential diagnosis is emphasized in this criteria. The risk factors for fragile fractures independent from low mineral density and the presence of fragile fractures were included in the criteria for pharmacotherapy in the 2006 edition of guideline for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. These factors include smoking, excessive alcohol, and familial history of femoral neck fractures. It would be a research question whether the removal of lifestyle-related risk factors are related to the reduction of fracture risk.