Osteoporosis and osteopenia affect more than 40 million US individuals. Bone fracture is the most significant consequence of osteoporosis because it is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates, in addition to being a heavy financial burden. According to a recent study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, osteoporosis-related fractures have increased significantly in recent years. The hospitalization rate for treatment of hip, pelvis, and other fractures associated with osteoporosis increased by 55% between 1995 and 2006. The cost of these hospitalizations was dollar2.4 billion in 2006, with women accounting for 89% of hospital stays.
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