Estimation of direct unit costs associated with non-vertebral osteoporotic fractures in five European countries

The objective of this study was to estimate the unit costs of non-vertebral osteoporotic fractures in five European countries based on the results of the SOTI and TROPOS clinical trials in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. The information recorded in the Case Report Forms was used. The perspective of third party payers was adopted. Hip fracture unit cost was the highest. The ranges of costs among countries was narrow for hip from 8,346 euro (Italy) to 9,907 euro (France), but wider for other fractures: 890 euro (Spain) to 2,022 euro (Italy) for wrist, 1,167 euro (Spain) to 3,268 euro (Italy) for pelvis, 837 euro (Spain) to 2,116 euro (Italy) for sternum/clavicle, 565 euro (Spain) to 908 euro (France) for rib, 1,518 euro (Spain) to 3,651 euro (Belgium) for humerus, 1,805 euro (Spain) to 3,521 euro (Italy) for leg. The costs of those fractures should be considered when estimating the cost of osteoporosis.