Understanding the SCOPE 2021 Report
To grasp the full picture of the osteoporosis prevalence in Europe, it is essential to look at comprehensive data from authoritative sources. The SCOPE (Scorecard for Osteoporosis in Europe) 2021 report, a collaborative effort involving the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and others, provides the most recent detailed analysis of osteoporosis and related fractures in the European Union (EU27), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (UK). The data, based on estimates for 2019, revealed some startling figures that underscore the seriousness of this often-overlooked condition.
Key Prevalence Statistics
For 2019, the SCOPE 2021 report estimated that the EU27+2 region was home to approximately 32.0 million people with osteoporosis. A breakdown of this figure reveals a significant disparity between the sexes:
- Women: An estimated 25.5 million women were living with osteoporosis, representing about 22.1% of women aged 50 and over.
- Men: An estimated 6.5 million men were affected, accounting for about 6.6% of men aged 50 and over.
This means that for every four women with the disease, there was only one man affected, though the disease's impact on men should not be underestimated. The overall prevalence across the total population of the EU27+2 was 5.6%.
The Growing Burden of Fragility Fractures
Beyond simply detailing the number of people with osteoporosis, the report highlighted the staggering number of fragility fractures—fractures that result from a fall from a standing height or less—that occurred as a consequence. In 2019 alone, there were an estimated 4.3 million new fragility fractures in the EU27+2 region. These fractures included:
- 827,000 hip fractures
- 663,000 vertebral fractures
- 637,000 forearm fractures
- 2,150,000 other fractures
Hip fractures, while comprising only a fraction of the total number of fractures, carry the most significant burden in terms of mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. The average lifetime probability of a hip fracture for a woman aged 50 years or older was 15.0%, with country-specific rates varying dramatically across Europe. The annual number of osteoporotic fractures is projected to increase by a further 25% between 2019 and 2034, driven by the aging European population.
The Economic Cost of Osteoporosis in Europe
The economic consequences of osteoporosis are substantial. In 2019, the total direct cost of osteoporotic fractures in the EU27+2, excluding the value of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost, amounted to an estimated €56.9 billion. The breakdown of this cost is particularly revealing:
- Incident Fractures: €36.3 billion, covering the costs of newly occurred fractures.
- Ongoing Costs: €19.0 billion, covering the long-term disability and care associated with older fractures.
- Pharmacological Intervention: Just €1.6 billion, representing a mere 3% of the total direct costs.
This small percentage spent on preventative pharmacological treatment suggests a significant treatment gap. The average treatment gap—the rate of eligible women not receiving treatment—increased from 55% in 2010 to 71% in 2019. This translates to approximately 15 million women needing treatment but not receiving it in 2019, a situation that costs far more in the long run due to subsequent fractures.
Country-Specific Variation
The prevalence and burden of osteoporosis are not uniform across Europe. The SCOPE report detailed significant country-by-country variations. For instance, in 2019, Germany had the highest number of individuals with osteoporosis, with around 5.7 million people affected. The lifetime probability of a hip fracture for women over 50 also varied greatly, ranging from a low of 7.0% in Romania to a high of 25.1% in Sweden. These differences reflect variations in demographics, risk factor profiles, and healthcare provisions across the continent.
Risk Factors and Future Trends
Several factors contribute to the high prevalence and increasing burden of osteoporosis in Europe:
- Aging Population: With a projected 11.4% increase in the population aged 50 and over between 2019 and 2034, the number of osteoporosis cases and related fractures is set to rise.
- Modifiable Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, low body mass index, and a sedentary lifestyle are known risk factors for osteoporosis and are prevalent across Europe.
- Gender: Women, particularly postmenopausal women, are at a significantly higher risk due to declining estrogen levels.
- Genetics: A family history of hip fractures can also increase risk.
Preventing osteoporosis requires a proactive approach, including proper nutrition with adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and lifestyle modifications. The importance of raising awareness among both the public and healthcare professionals cannot be overstated, as osteoporosis remains both underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Comparison of Osteoporosis Statistics: 2010 vs. 2019 (EU27+2)
| Metric | SCOPE 2010 | SCOPE 2021 (2019 Data) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Individuals with Osteoporosis | Approx. 27.6 million | Approx. 32.0 million |
| Estimated Women with Osteoporosis (50+) | 22.1 million (EU27) | 25.5 million |
| Estimated Men with Osteoporosis (50+) | 5.5 million (EU27) | 6.5 million |
| Estimated New Fragility Fractures | Not specified | 4.3 million |
| Annual Osteoporotic Fractures Projected Increase (2019-2034) | N/A | 25% |
| Total Direct Cost (EUR) | €37.4 billion (EU27) | €56.9 billion |
| Treatment Gap (Women eligible but untreated) | 55% | 71% |
Conclusion: The Path Forward
Osteoporosis represents a significant and growing public health challenge in Europe. The statistics from reports like SCOPE 2021 are not just numbers; they represent millions of individual lives impacted by pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. The disease also places a considerable and escalating financial strain on European healthcare systems. Despite the availability of effective treatments and preventative measures, a massive treatment gap persists. Addressing this requires a multi-pronged approach, including increased public awareness, improved screening and diagnostic protocols (like wider availability of DXA scans and FRAX assessments), and better access to and uptake of pharmacological treatments for those at high risk. National health systems must prioritize osteoporosis as a critical health issue to mitigate its future impact on both individuals and society.
For more in-depth information on the prevalence and burden of osteoporosis, you can consult the official report summaries provided by the International Osteoporosis Foundation.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
