National Statistics on Osteoporosis For Men and Women

Statistics on osteoporosis can often better help people understand the severity and consequences of this preventable yet, without prevention debilitating disease:

1. 44 million men and women, that is some 55% of Americans over 50 are threatened by osteoporosis
2. While 10 million people already suffer from this disease, another 34 million more are in risk groups suffering from low bone mass
3. Caucasian women of European descent comprise the largest group of victims of osteoporosis
4. Of the 10 million Americans with osteoporosis
   • 8 million are women and
   • 2 million are men
5. Osteoporosis can occur at any age
   • 50% of women and 25% of men over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture    Osteoporosis-related hip fractures cost $20 billion in 2023
6. In the US, the average cost of an osteoporosis-related hip fracture can vary widely depending on the region, healthcare facility, and the specific needs of the patient. 
   • Before 2023, the average cost for the first year following a hip fracture was approximately $40,000 to $60,000. This includes hospitalization, surgery, and post-acute care services.
   • Long-term costs, including potential nursing home care or extended rehabilitation, can increase the total cost significantly, sometimes exceeding $100,000 over the patient’s lifetime.
   • Hip fractures account for a significant portion of these costs due to their severe impact and the extensive medical care required.
   • Hip fractures alone account for approximately 72% of the all costs of osteoporosis-related fractures, translating to roughly $14.4 billion annually. This figure includes expenses related to hospitalization, surgical procedures, rehabilitation services, and long-term nursing care.
7. Few cases of osteoporosis are properly diagnosed, because there are few obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs
8. Most women can lose up to 20% of their bone mass in the first five to seven years after menopause, increasing the odds for an osteoporosis-related fracture.
9. Of people over 50 who suffer hip fractures: 
   • 24% will die within the first year, 
   • 20% of those who survive require long term care
   • Only 15% can walk across a room unaided.
10. Women are two to three times more likely to suffer a hip fracture, but mortality for hip fractures is twice as high for men as it is women.
11. Hip fractures are linked to a woman’s combined risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer
12. Osteoporosis causes 1.5 million broken bones each year
    • 250,000 wrist fractures
    • 300,000 hip fractures
    • 300,000 miscellaneous fractures
    • 700,000 vertebral fracturesHip fractures are particularly concerning due to their high mortality rate. 
      • Studies have shown that the one-year mortality rate following a hip fracture in older adults can be as high as 20-30%.
      • Most deaths associated with hip fractures occur within the first few months post-fracture, often due to complications such as infections, cardiovascular events, or pulmonary embolism.
13. Mortality rates for other major fractures (such as vertebral and pelvic fractures) are generally lower than for hip fractures but still significant, especially in older populations with co-morbid conditions.
14. According to a study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (JBMR) in 2022, the estimated annual mortality rate from osteoporotic fractures (including hip, vertebral, and other major fractures) in the United States was around 53,000 deaths.

Breakdown in Types of Fractures:

• Hip Fractures:
  • Account for the majority of fracture-related deaths.
  • Estimated annual deaths: Approximately 30,000-35,000.

• Vertebral Fractures:
  • These fractures can lead to significant morbidity and increased mortality, particularly due to their association with frailty and other health complications.
  • Estimated annual deaths: Approximately 10,000.

• Other Major Fractures (Pelvic, Rib, etc.):
  • These fractures contribute to the overall mortality but to a lesser extent compared to hip and vertebral fractures.
  • Estimated annual deaths: Approximately 8,000.

The very best way to protect yourself, is to stop osteoporosis before any fractures happens!