Social and economic aspects of osteoporosis.

The first part of this article draws together descriptive studies on the direct medical costs of osteoporosis. The second part is devoted to economic evaluation of 1) osteoporosis treatment on the basis of clinical criteria and 2) preventive strategies, some of them including bone mineral density screening. These analyses point out the importance of taking into account quality of life and compliance issues. Research into dependency of the elderly has made it possible to obtain knowledge of the long-term economic consequences of osteoporosis. Development of research into dependency and its causes leads to the question as to whether the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis should be regulated in an isolated manner or whether it should be part of a larger health care policy with respect to aging.