Recent Highlights

• April 2007 - PBS listing for osteoporosis treatment for prevention for people with low bone density, age 70 and over. Medicare rebate for a bone density test (DXA) for Australians 70 years and over.
• August 2002 - osteoporosis becomes key focus under 7th National Health Priority Area – Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases
• Joint scholarships with NHMRC commencing 2008

Future Aims

• First Fracture clinics established in all teaching hospitals to identify this high risk group of people with osteoporosis and aim to prevent future fractures for improved quality of life. Target particularly women with a first vertebral fracture
• Continue GP and Health Professional programs
• Continue Community Awareness campaigns around risk factors

Prevalence and associated costs

• White Paper ­ 'The Burden of Brittle Bones' (2007), produced by The Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Western Hospital, Footscray, Victoria.