The Economic and Social Burden of Osteoporosis in Developed Countries: Health Policy Considerations Based on a Literature Review

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease affecting mostly women of post-menopausal age and characterized by bone mass loss and skeletal micro-architecture alteration, all conditions that imply significant consequences in terms of both mortality and disability. Direct healthcare costs for hospitalization, outpatient treatment and nursing home admissions saddle governments with a significant burden, which is destined to increase with population aging. Evidence exists on cost-effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment in reducing the risk of refracture, with positive effects not only for healthcare expenditure, but also in terms of premature mortality, reduced quality of life and autonomy loss. With the help of relevant literature, this paper analyses the economic and social burden of osteoporosis and provides policy measures to both reduce the risk of fragility fractures among the elderly and diminish the economic load on societies