This report provides a national overview on diagnosed osteoporosis, related fractures and the osteoporosis care gap among Canadians 40 years and older. It reports on administrative data from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS), including trend data spanning a surveillance period of 15 years, from 2000-2001 to 2015-2016.
Here are some important excerpts from the PHAC report:
- “the absolute number of fractures of the forearm, hip, spine, humerus and pelvis increased over the 15-year surveillance period (from 95,000 in 2000-2001 to 132,000 in 2015-2016)”. Go to page 35.
- “Almost one-quarter (227.5 per 1,000 or 22.8%) of those who fractured a hip in 2014-2015 died of any cause within the following 12 months.” Go to page 36.
- “While women were 2 times more likely to fracture their hip, men were 1.3 times more likely to die of any cause within 12 months following their hip fracture.” Go to page 36.
- “A key finding of this report is that despite well-established clinical practice guidelines and initiatives to promote osteoporosis care, screening and treatment initiation rates following a fracture remain very low in Canada.” Go to page 53.
- “Within one year of fracture, less than 20% received an osteoporosis diagnosis, underwent a BMD test or received a prescription for an osteoporosis-related medication.” Go to page 39.
- “Irrespective of fracture site, men were less likely to receive a prescription than women.” Go to page 44.
- “Given the success of secondary fracture prevention and the resulting cost-saving benefits, increasing accessibility to FLS across the country may help to close the existing osteoporosis care gap.” Go to page 46.
We urge you to read this very compelling and fact-based report regarding the state of osteoporosis care for Canadians who suffer a fracture. It is available here.
The report is also available in French here.
