top of page

RESEARCH BACKGROUNDER                                                                                    

EMBARGOED: 12:01AM AEST, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024 

                                                                                                        

Osteoporosis and fractures in Australia.

A burden of disease analysis 2022 – 2033

This report provides an update on the previous burden of disease analysis report conducted in 2012. The 2023 report highlights an increase in the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis along with the associated costs. If current prevention, management, and treatment strategies remain unchanged, future disease prevalence and costs are expected to rise significantly.

Key findings from ‘Osteoporosis and fractures in Australia. A burden of disease  analysis 2023 – 2033’

 

  • There has been a sharp increase in osteopenia and osteoporosis cases over the past decade.

  • In 2023, an estimated 6.2 million Australians aged 50 and older (67 per cent) were living with osteopenia or osteoporosis. By 2033,  this figure is expected to rise to 7.7 million, with 69 per cent of those aged 50 years and older estimated to have developed osteopenia or osteoporosis –representing a 23 per cent increase over 10  years.1

Prevalence

  • In 2023, 6.2 million Australians aged 50+ years were living with poor bone health, 77 per cent diagnosed with osteopenia and 23 per cent with osteoporosis, a 34 per cent increase from 2012.1

  • By 2033, the number of Australians aged 50+ living with osteopenia and osteoporosis is projected to reach 7.7 million, .  A 23 per cent increase from 2023, and a 69 per cent increase since 2012.1

  • It is predicted that  2.1 million fractures will occur over the next 10 years – 193,482 in 2023, with a 34 per cent increase to 237,632 by 2033.1

  • In 2023, a fracture occurred every 2.7 minutes.  By 2033, this is expected to increase to one fracture every 30 seconds.1

Cost impact

  • The total cost of osteopenia and osteoporosis to the Australian healthcare system was $4.8 billion in 2023. This figure is predicted to increase to $8.3 million by 2033.1

  •  The total cost of fractures in 2023 was $3.5 billion, which is projected to rise to $4.9 billion by 2033, representing a 38 per cent increase in fracture costs over a 10-year period.1

  • Fracture costs account for a significant portion of these costs , with hip fractures being the most expensive type of fracture. Over 10 years the total fracture-related costs is predicted to be $46.8 billion.1

  • The total direct, and indirect cost of fractures over the next 10 years is estimated to be $67.9 billion.1

Cost Savings from Fractures Averted

  •  Annual savings in direct healthcare costs from fractures averted  through osteoporosis (bone active) medication are  projected to range from $289.9 million in 2024, to $378.2 million in 2033.1

  • Over 10 years, 201,208 fractures are expected to be  averted saving a total of  $3.3 billion.1

 

Recommendations from the Report

  • Actively investigate at risk groups;

  • Promote  early diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis, for both women and men aged 50 years and over;

  • Inclusion of bone mineral density (BMD) checks in regular GP health check-ups for high-risk individuals;

  • Focus on  fracture prevention  for both men and women aged 50 years and over with low BMD;

  • Initiation of osteoporosis treatment  in those aged 50+ years, with minimal trauma fracture;

  • Treatment is also recommended for those (50+ years) diagnosed with osteoporosis (no fracture history). Refer to National guidelines for osteoporosis risk assessment, diagnosis and management;  

  • Consider reimbursement of bone mineral testing for high-risk groups; and

  • Increase funding for public awareness and education programs focused on preventing osteopenia and osteoporosis.

About osteoporosis

 

Osteoporosis is a disease leading to reduced bone strength, increasing the risk of fracture. It is crucial to take immediate steps to protect bone health and monitor bone density for improvement and fracture prevention. Osteoporosis and osteopenia affect women and men, with men accounting for up to 30 per cent of all fractures relating to osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Fractures are expensive to treat and can greatly disrupt the lives of patients, and their families. Data shows in 2023 67 per cent of Australians aged 50+ years are living with poor bone health, and   fracture costs at $3.5 billion. Fractures account for up to 70 per cent of the overall cost of the disease.

About Healthy Bones Australia

Healthy Bones Australia (HBA) is the leading organisation representing Australians living with osteoporosis. The organisation promotes prevention, advocates for early diagnosis, and supports better management of osteoporosis to reduce unwanted fractures. HBA works with consumers, healthcare professionals, policy makers and other stakeholders to prioritise bone health.  Poor bone health affects over six million Australians, causing more than 193,000 fractures each year, impacting individuals, their families/carers, the workforce, and the healthcare system, costing Australians $4.9 billion annually.

 

ends#

 

To access the report, head to: Osteoporosis and fractures in Australia. A burden of disease analysis 2023 – 2033.

Reference

  1. Bohingamu Mudiyanselage S , Watts JJ, Gebremariam K, Abimanyi-Ochom J. Osteoporosis and fractures in Australia. A burden of disease analysis, 2023 to 2033.: Healthy Bones Australia; 2024.

Green Watercolor Leaf on Light Yellow Background Square Pillow (1).png
bottom of page