Worldwide, orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists physical therapists and medical and patient health associations are joining together for the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 to advance understanding and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders through prevention, education and research. Musculoskeletal conditions have an enormous impact on society.
Musculoskeletal conditions affect children and adults.
1 out of every 7 Americans reports a musculoskeletal impairment. Each year, 28.6 million Americans incur musculoskeletal injuries . 2 More than 50 percent of American injuries are to the musculoskeletal system. 3 Arthritis , which affects more than 15.3 million older people, is the leading chronic condition reported by Americans age 65 and older. It is present in half of the women in this age group.