How we work

The primary focus of the Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy (OOS) is to prevent hip and other osteoporotic fractures by managing warning signs and improving secondary fracture outcomes through management strategies, education, and system improvements. It is important to note that 40% of individuals who fracture their hip have had a previous non-hip fracture that was not recognized as a warning sign of osteoporosis. The OOS aims to address this by preventing these secondary fractures.

The challenges we face

An aging population

As the Canadian population continues to age, the incidence of hip fractures is expected to increase, according to projections from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and Statistics Canada. By the year 2041, it is estimated that 25% of the population will be aged 65 or older, with 4% aged 85 or older. The rise in hip fractures due to an aging population will lead to increased healthcare costs, which could become a significant economic burden on the healthcare system.

A doctor is holding a tablet computer, with one hand on the shoulder of an elderly patient. They are both smiling while looking at the test results.

Ontarians sustain almost 50,000 osteoporotic fractures annually, and of those, about 13,000 hip fractures result in hospital admission.

A hip fracture results in a hospital stay of 16 days on average and each hip fracture costs the Ontario healthcare system approximately $64,000

By 2041 the cost of hip fractures is projected to rise to $2.4 billion annually.

Fragility Fractures

Fragility fractures are responsible for excess mortality, morbidity, chronic pain, admission to institutions and economic costs.

It is estimated that one out of every three women and one out of every five men will experience a fragility fracture during their lifetime. Among those who suffer from hip or vertebral fractures, the risk of mortality is significantly increased after the fracture. In addition to the risk of mortality, multiple vertebral fractures can cause several physical and psychological issues such as pain, anxiety, depression, reduced lung function, and agitation.

The risk of experiencing another vertebral fracture within the year after a vertebral fracture is high.
The risk of experiencing another fracture within the year after a hip fracture ranges from 5 to 10%.

How we are addressing the challenges

By implementing targeted interventions in three identified priority areas - fracture prevention, health professional education and outreach, and patient education and self-management - it is possible to effectively reduce the risk of hip and other osteoporotic fractures in Ontario.