Prevention of osteoporosis--a cost-effectiveness. Analysis regarding fractures.

Osteoporosis increases for postmenopausal women. The risks of complications, i e fractures, from osteoporosis is recognized. The affected women with fractures suffer and the costs of health care are considerable. Screening by bone mineral density (BMD) measurement in combination with estrogen prevention of osteoporosis may reduce fractures in elderly women. The question whether benefits will exceed costs is studied for a cohort of women, aged 50-54 years, in Malmöhus county council.