Introduction In Germany, accurate data on the prevalence
and treatment of osteoporosis, as well as the cost of this
illness, are not available. The aim of this study is to give a
valid estimation of these items for the year 2003.
Methods Routine data from a German sickness fund
covering 1.5 million beneficiaries and billing data for
outpatient visits were used to obtain estimates of prevalence
for osteoporosis. Claims data for patients with osteoporosis
(M80, M81) or an osteoporosis-related fracture diagnosis
(S22, S32, S42, S52, S72, S82) or treatment with antiosteoporosis drugs were examined. Costs were calculated
from the perspective of the German health insurance system
and the German nursing care insurance system, respectively. Only direct costs of osteoporosis were considered.
Results In 2003, 7.8 million Germans (6.5 million women)
were affected by osteoporosis. Of them, 4.3% experienced
at least one clinical fracture. Only 21.7% were treated with
an anti-osteoporosis drug. The total direct costs attributable
to osteoporosis amounted to €5.4 billion.
Conclusion This study confirms that osteoporosis is underdiagnosed, undertreated and imposes a considerable economic burden on the health system in Germany. Effective
strategies for the prevention and management of this
disease are needed.