Fragility fractures cost the EU €37bn a year

 About 3.5 million fragility fractures occur due to osteoporosis each year in the EU, according to data from the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry Associations.

The report details that osteoporosis in all 27 EU member states caused fractures that cost €37 billion (£32 billion) in 2010 alone. Two-thirds was spent on caring for fractures; 29% went on long-term fracture care; and 5% on preventive drug therapies.

The burden is likely to grow due to an ageing population and some experts predict a 25% increase in health-related economic costs by 2025.

“High-risk individuals are not being routinely identified and offered treatment,” explains Prof John Kanis who was involved in the report. “The current model of osteoporosis management is not sustainable as Europe’s population ages and fracture incidence and costs increase still further.”

Another problem is that about half of people at high risk do not follow their treatment regimens.

“Key elements of any national strategy must include the better implementation of national guidelines, the establishment of fracture liaison services to identify high-risk patients, and improvement of adherence to proven cost-effective treatment by patients,” says Prof Juliet Compston, chair of the European Osteoporosis Consultation Panel.