Report reveals ‘immense burden’ of osteoporotic fractures in Europe

The economic burden of fractures in Europe has been significantly underestimated, according to a report launched by the International Osteoporosis Foundation and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry Associations.

The report examines both epidemiological and health economic aspects of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures in Europe — specifically, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. According to an International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) press release, researchers conclude that in Europe’s five largest countries and Sweden alone, an estimated 2.5 million new fragility fractures occurred in 2010 — the equivalent of 280 fractures per hour. It also attributed 80 deaths per day to fragility fractures.

“This landmark report exposes a number of major issues and challenges related to health care provision for fragility fractures,” John Kanis, IOF president, stated in the release. “What is particularly striking is how the economic burden of fractures has increased in just over a decade. In 2000, the economic burden of fractures for the then European Union was estimated at €36 billion. The current estimate of €30.7 billion for just six countries largely reflects the increased number of fractures due to Europe’s ageing population.”

Key findings regarding economic and health costs of fragility fractures for the six countries studied include:

For the year 2010 approximately 2.5 million new fractures occurred, with approximately 34,000 deaths being caused by fractures — 49% following hip fractures;
The reported total health burden of osteoporotic fractures measured in quality-adjusted life years was estimated at 850,000;
Health care cost, including pharmacological prevention, was estimated at €30.7 billion — corresponding to 3.5% of the total spending on health care;
Despite the existence of management guidelines, the report noted a minority of patients actually receive medical treatment to prevent fractures;
The projected number of fractures in 2025 is 3.2 million — an increase of 29%, resulting in an implied health care cost increase to €38.5 billion;
The improved implementation of clinical guidelines to close the treatment gap has been found cost-effective and could save nearly 700,000 fractures by 2025; and
The economic burden of osteoporotic fractures exceeds those for migraine, stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease — and is similar to the burden of rheumatoid arthritis.

Reference:

Strom O, Borgstrom F, Kanis JA, et al. Osteoporosis: Burden, health care provision and opportunities in the European Union. Arch Osteoporos. 2011. doi 10.1007/s11657-011-0060-1.

www.iofbonehealth.org

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