One-year disease-related health care costs of incident vertebral fractures in osteoporotic patients.

summaryThe study aims to estimate the direct disease-related costs of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) in patients with newly diagnosed fracture in the first year after index in Germany. Analyses reveal that OVCFs are associated with significant costs. In light of high and increasing incidence, the results emphasize importance of research in this field.

introductionOVCF are among the most common fractures related to osteoporosis. They have been shown to be associated with excess mortality and meaningful healthcare costs. Costs calculations have illustrated the significant financial burden to society and national social security systems. However, this information is not available for Germany. Therefore, aim of the study was to estimate the direct disease-related costs of OVCF in patients with newly diagnosed fracture in the first year after index in Germany.

methodsData were obtained from a claims dataset of a large German health insurance fund. Subjects ≥ 60 years with a new vertebral fracture between 2006 and 2010 were studied retrospectively compared to a matched paired OVCF-free patient group. All-cause and fracture-specific medical costs were calculated in the 1-year baseline and follow-up period. Generalized linear model (GLM) was estimated for total follow-up healthcare cost.

resultsA total of 2,277 pairs of matched OVCF and OVCF-free patients were included in the analysis. Baseline costs were higher in the OVCF group. Mean unadjusted all-cause healthcare cost difference in the four quarters following the index date between OVCF and OVCF-free patients was 8,200 <euro> (p < 0.001). Of the difference, almost two third was attributable to inpatient services and one quarter to prescription drug costs. The GLM procedure revealed that OVCF-related costs in the first year after the index date add up to 6,490 <euro> (p < 0.001; CI 5,809 <euro>-6,731 <euro>).

conclusionsDespite limitations of this study, our results are consistent with other research and demonstrate that OVCFs are associated with significant costs. The results underline the importance of medical interventions that can help to prevent fractures and treatments, which are cost-effective and can prevent recurrent fractures.