In the Australian population aged over 60 years, more than 70,000 osteoporotic fractures are sustained each year. Hip fractures in women are more common than cancer of the breast, cervix and uterus combined. The incidence of vertebral fractures is difficult to quantitate but this type of fracture is probably the commonest osteoporotic fracture. Disability associated with the type of fracture may include chronic pain, deformity and limitation in mobility.
Falls are a frequent precipitant of osteoporotic fractures.
About one third of people aged over 65 living in the community fall at least once in any year. The falls rate is higher for those in residential care. The costs of osteoporosis include medical costs directly related to fracture treatment and indirect costs. Indirect costs associated with the care of people with osetoporotic fractures are likely be considerable and are as yet uncosted. These would include the impact on the well-being and economic opportunities of family carers.