Osteoporosis is a silent disease, which in itself causes no symptoms. The morbidity of this condition arises from bone fragility and the subsequent fractures that result, causing not only pain, but also deformity and even immobility.

It is estimated that nearly two million Australians have an osteoporosis related condition of which three quarters are women. Thus osteoporosis currently affects approximately 10% of the Australian population. There is general concern that the prevalence of osteoporosis is likely to increase over the next few years due to the increasing life expectancy of the population. It is projected that by 2021, osteoporosis will affect some 13% of the Australian population. In addition to the personal cost of this condition, osteoporosis also has significant health related costs of $7.4 billion per annum.¹

Approximately 25% of women and 17% of men in Australia will develop a fracture in their lifetime. After the age of 60 years, 1 in 2 Australian women and 1 in 3 Australian men will sustain an osteoporotic fracture. Of all osteoporotic fractures in Australia, 46% are vertebral fractures, 16% are hip fractures and 16% are wrist fractures. Hip fractures are particularly problematic as evidence shows that 50% of elderly patients sustaining a hip fracture need subsequent long-term nursing care. There also is an increased risk of mortality associated with hip fractures. Fifteen percent of hip fractures in the elderly are complicated by death within 4 months of the fracture.¹  The risk of death following a hip fracture is greater in men.  

Content updated February 20, 2006