The study explains the global burden of disability from musculoskeletal conditions

Reviewed by Emily Henderson, B.Sc.November 5, 2020

Musculoskeletal disorders, which affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and joints, can severely affect individuals’ physical and mental health and are particularly common among aging adults.

Although many researchers are studying these conditions and their rates in different regions of the world, no studies to date have provided an overview of the burden of all musculoskeletal disorders. Investigators have now done it Arthritis and rheumatology, an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

For the analysis, the researchers looked at data from the 2017 Global Burden of Disease Study, which assessed the extent of disease and injury in 21 regions and 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017. Musculoskeletal disorders included rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis. , low back pain, neck pain, gout and related conditions.

The team found that in 2017 there were about 1.3 billion prevalent cases and 121,300 deaths due to musculoskeletal disorders, as well as 138.7 million years of life adjusted for disability or the number of years lost due to health problems, disabilities or early death. The burden of these diseases generally increased with age for both sexes, was more prevalent among women, and was highest in developed countries.

Our study describes in a single article the enormous global burden of disability due to musculoskeletal conditions, which are underestimated despite their enormous costs to individuals, the economy and the health system. Furthermore, over time there has been a lack of a significant reduction in the burden resulting from these conditions, which means that there is still insufficient emphasis on addressing the problem. “

Rachelle Buchbinder, MD, senior author of the study, Cabrini Institute and Monash University

Dr. Buchbinder noted that policymakers need to be aware of the scale of this growing problem, especially in light of the rapidly aging population around the world.

“A global response is needed and this should be complemented with other strategies that can address some of the major modifiable risk factors of MSDs, including obesity, poor diet, smoking and sedentary lifestyles,” he said.

“Also, there should be an emphasis on reducing low-value care for some of the more burdensome conditions like low back pain and osteoarthritis that contribute to the problem.”

The authors also stressed the need for standardized methods for collecting data on the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders worldwide.