Osteoporosis-Related Fractures Costing Healthcare System Billions Annually

A chart accompanying their report shows the steady rise in the rate of hospitalizations where osteoporosis was coupled with an injury.  In 1995, there were 55 stays per 100,000 people; in 1999, there were 70; in 2004, 81; and in 2006, 85.

Pathological fractures were the most common osteoporotic injury, followed by hip fractures, fractures of the vertebrae, ribs and pelvis, superficial injuries and contusions, and lastly leg and arm fractures.

Females in all age brackets are affected more than males. Over age 65, five times more women were hospitalized with injurious osteoporosis than men.

One apparent mystery, however, is the wide variation in what part of the country these hospitalizations occur.  The Midwest had the highest rate, with 107 per 100,000 people, followed by the Northeast, with 87. Rates in the South and West were considerably lower, with 81 and 68 stays per 100,000 people.

Why people in the Midwest were so disproportionately affected is unclear.

In terms of cost, hip fractures were the most expensive, costing an average of $12,100 each, and required the longest hospital stays (5.7 days).