Osteoporosis represents major economic burden

Osteoporosis is not just a health problem. It is also a serious economic issue, as a new study has shown that treatments for fractures and other health problems associated with the condition can cost millions of dollars per year.

Patients with brittle bones rarely receive prompt diagnoses. It often takes a fracture for a doctor to realize that an individual may suffer from osteoporosis. However, at this point it is too late to prevent deterioration of bones, and more fractures are likely.

A recent study presented at the European Congress of Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis indicated that osteoporosis costs member nations of the European Union 39 billion Euros per year. The vast majority of this total was spent on direct treatment of fractures, with relatively little being spent on prevention. The researcher concluded that this represents a major economic burden.

The situation is likely similar in the U.S., where studies have shown that the majority of patients are not diagnosed with osteoporosis until they experience a fracture. However, the economic burden associated with treating broken bones may be largely preventable, as a prescription to buy Fosamax can help individuals build stronger bones.