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Key Facts and Figures
'Osteo' means bone, and 'porosis' thinning or becoming more porous, so osteoporosis literally means 'thinning of bone.' It is commonly confused with the word osteoarthritis, which is a form of arthritis that results in breakdown of the cartilage covering the ends of bones. In contrast, osteoporosis is a condition where bone itself breaks down. Bones then become thin, brittle and easily broken. For example, sneezing can cause a person's rib to break or stumbling can lead to fracture of one of the bones in the spine.
Hip fractures are also common in people with osteoporosis, and can lead to immobility and hospitalization. Osteoporosis is often known as "the silent thief" because bone loss occurs without symptoms.
Osteoporosis Statistics
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As many as 2 million Canadians suffer from osteoporosis
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1 in 4 women over the age of 50 has osteoporosis
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The cost to the Canadian health care system of treating osteoporosis and the fractures it causes is currently estimated to be $1.9 billion annually. Long term, hospital and chronic care account for the majority of these costs. Given the increasing proportion of older people in the population, these costs will likely rise.
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At least 80% of fractures in people 60+ are related to osteoporosis.
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Osteoporosis causes 70-90% of 30,000 hip fractures annually. Hip fractures result in death in up to 20 percent of cases, and disability in 50 percent of those who survive.
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Each hip fracture costs the system $21,285 in the 1st year after hospitalization, and $44,156 if the patient is institutionalized.
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The reduced quality of life for those with osteoporosis is enormous. Osteoporosis can result in disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, reduction or loss of mobility, and decreased independence.
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