Osteoporosis is typically a “silent” disease, which can often progress without symptoms until its most severe consequence, a fragility fracture, is experienced. Osteoporosis is diagnosed based on the assessment of bone mineral density (BMD). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the most widely used technique. Hip fractures accounted for the majority of the total cost of fragility fracture care (57%) but only for 20% of all fragility fractures. Fracture-related costs are projected to increase to €47.4 billion euro in 2030. Political actions are essential to reduce the burden by prevention (lifestyle) and early detection of osteoporosis and treatment if necessary.
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