Burden of Musculoskeletal Conditions at the Start of the New Millennium

Musculoskeletal conditions are extremely common and include more than 150 different diseases and syndromes usually associated with pain and loss of function. In the developed world, where these conditions are already the most frequent cause of physical disability, population ageing is likely to further increase the burden these conditions impose, whilst in the developing world, successful care of childhood and communicable diseases and an increase in road traffic accidents is shifting the burden to musculoskeletal and other non-communicable conditions. This publication reports on a WHO scientific meeting held to consider the likely public health and economic implications of the most prominent musculoskeletal conditions (particularly regarding rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, major limb trauma, and spinal disorders).World Health Organization is the author of 'Burden of Musculoskeletal Conditions at the Start of the New Millennium', published 2003 under ISBN 9789241209199 and ISBN 9241209194.