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New Report Launch: 50 yrs+ projected to sustain a fracture every 30 seconds by 2033

Published October 10, 2024

Healthy Bones Australia (HBA) today (10^th October), launched a new report ‘Osteoporosis and fractures in Australia. A burden of disease analysis 2023-2033’ at Parliament House Canberra, in the lead up to World Osteoporosis Day (20 October).

The event hosted by the Parliamentary Friends of Pain Management Co-chairs Senator Helen Polley and Senator Wendy Askew was attended by The Hon Kate Thwaites MP, Assistant Minister for Ageing, Women and Social Security, Olympic and World Champion Sally Pearson OAM, Patient Advocate Carole David, HBA representatives – Chair Professor Peter Ebeling AO, Medical Director Professor Peter Wong and CEO Greg Lyubomirsky, along with other special guests, report co-authors from Deakin University and a special recorded message of support from Ita Buttrose OBE.

The report details the prevalence and cost impact of poor bone health and related fractures in Australia, 2023 – 2033.

Healthy Bones Australia is calling for enhanced Government commitment to bone health.

Key Findings:

• 6.2 million (67 per cent) Australians aged 50+ years are living with poor bone health, and projected to increase to 7.7 million living with osteopenia or osteoporosis by 2033;

• In 2023, a fracture was sustained every 2.7 minutes resulting in more than 193,000 fractures, by 2033 this will increase to a fracture every 30 seconds

• The total cost of osteopenia and osteoporosis equated to $4.8 billion (2023) and is estimated to climb to $8.3 billion per year (by 2033).

• Total costs over 10-years reaching $67.9 billion. Fractures representing the highest component cost of the disease.

• Hip fracture remains the most costly type of fracture, however fractures at other sites (wrist, spine, leg/arm) are more common

Professor Peter Ebeling, AO, said new burden of disease report has concerning future projections and reinforces the urgent need for action from policy makers, healthcare professionals, and the community alike.

Greg Lyubomirsky said “We understand directly from consumers, that no one wants to fracture. Fractures are costly, reduce quality of life, and in severe cases can be fatal”

Professor Peter Wong stressed HBA is “urging GPs to identify at-risk patients, and to intervene as early as possible, to manage osteoporosis and prevent fractures,”

HBA worked with RACGP on new clinical guidelines for the management of osteoporosis by GPs, which were released earlier in 2024.

Know Your Bones Ambassador Sally Pearson OAM reported the national prevention program has been completed by over 115,000 Australians and said “I encourage every Australian to take an easy first step and complete this online self-assessment.”

The report co-author, Head of School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Professor Watts said “the burden of osteoporosis is substantial, and will continue to increase with our ageing population. Most of the burden of disease is attributed to the cost of treating fractures. If we continue on our current trajectory, the burden will continue to grow and add pressure on the healthcare system.” Prof Watts reinforced “There is an opportunity to prioritise the prevention of osteoporosis.”