Disease Facts

Economic cost of osteoporosis. It is estimated that half of all women and 20 percent of all men will have an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. In the United States, 300,000 hip fractures occur each year in persons age 65 and older. The majority of these hip fractures are associated with a fall in an individual with osteoporosis.

In 2005, osteoporosis-related fractures were responsible for an estimated $19 billion in costs. By 2025, experts predict that these costs will rise to approximately $25.3 billion.

In the year 2000, it is estimated that osteoporosis caused 36,630 bone fractures in New Jersey residents, at a cost of $496 million. The cumulative cost of osteoporosis over the next decade is estimated at $5.2 billion.

Personal cost of osteoporosis. The impact of osteoporosis and its associated disability affects both the individual and his or her family. It can impair quality of life and interfere with physical, psychological and social health.

The outlook for persons experiencing a hip fracture is particularly alarming:

• 20%of hip fracture patients may require long-term nursing home care.
• 50% never regain their ability to walk independently, and up to 20% die within one year due to complications of the fracture or accompanying surgery.
• Approximately 33% of people are totally dependent following hip fracture.