Millions of American Women Left Untreated After Bone Fragility Fractures

The analysis by Motive Medical Intelligence highlights a stark disconnect between clinical standards and real-world practice. While organizations like the Endocrine Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists dictate that a fracture should trigger an immediate osteoporosis evaluation, the data shows that most women remain unmonitored. This oversight occurs despite osteoporosis affecting one in five women over age 50 and one in three over age 65.

Geographic performance varies, but no region approaches adequate care. Rhode Island ranks as the worst-performing state, with 87% of women receiving no follow-up treatment after a break. Other states in the Northeast, including Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New York, show failure rates between 78% and 83%. Even Hawaii, which leads the country, leaves 55% of affected patients without care. California reports a 69% failure rate, mirroring the figures found across the Mountain West and Midwest.

Beyond the human cost of chronic pain and lost independence, these untreated fractures contribute to a $57 billion annual healthcare burden. Rich Klasco, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Motive, noted that the persistence of this gap is particularly disappointing given the availability of proven treatments. Julie Scherer, Ph.D., who led the study, emphasized that this is a solvable problem, provided the healthcare industry bridges the awareness gap between clinicians and their patients.