Volume 29, Issue 2 , Pages 91-92, February 2006
The Bone and Joint Decade: 2000 to 2010
Article Outline
- Why Focus on Bones and Joints?
- Goals of the Bone and Joint Decade
- How You Can Get Involved
- Conclusions
- References
- Copyright
The Bone and Joint Decade initiative is a global, multidisciplinary, and collaborative effort to improve prevention of bone and joint disorders and to improve the quality of life for those affected. On January 13, 2000, the Bone and Joint Decade was formally launched at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Bone and Joint Decade has thus far has been endorsed by 60 nations, the World Health Organization, the United Nations, the Vatican, and more than 750 organizations worldwide.
In the United States, the National Bone and Joint Decade 2002 to 2011 was officially proclaimed by President Bush in March 2002. The Decade has been endorsed by all 50 of the United States, more than 90 US patient and professional health care organizations, and more than 100 medical schools and colleges of medicine. Some of the organizations affiliated include the American Chiropractic Association, the Arthritis Foundation, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research, and the North American Spine Society. Four chiropractic colleges are also involved with the Decade including Life College of Chiropractic–West, National University of Health Sciences, Palmer College of Chiropractic, and Parker College of Chiropractic.
Why Focus on Bones and Joints?
Worldwide, musculoskeletal conditions are the most common causes of severe long-term pain and physical disability and account for half of all chronic conditions in people more than 50 years of age in developed countries. In the United States, musculoskeletal conditions cost our society an estimated $269.3 billion every year.1 One of every 7 Americans reports a musculoskeletal impairment,2 and 28.6 million Americans incur a musculoskeletal injury every year.2 More than 43 million people have some form of arthritis,3 and it is estimated that the number of people affected by arthritis will increase to 60 million by 2020.4
Back or spine impairments, which number 18.4 million, are the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions for persons aged 18 and older.2 Despite this current formation on burden of disease, current orthopedic research expenditures are estimated to total only approximately $92 million per year. Of that total, only $16 million is devoted to clinical research.5 In addition, the amount of time spent on musculoskeletal education in many medical schools is minimal. In a recent study, one third of physician participants graduated from medical schools with no rotation (either elective or required) in orthopedics.6
The Bone and Joint Decade is working with the National Institutes of Health to explore ways to raise awareness about bone and joint conditions and address issues of concern to the research community. They are also working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to raise awareness of bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and childhood diseases, and to increase awareness about the causes of road injuries and the need to improve road safety.
Goals of the Bone and Joint Decade
The Bone and Joint Decade is dedicated to reducing the burden of severe, long-term musculoskeletal conditions around the world. The aims are to:
In the United States, there are 4 goals of the Bone and Joint Decade. They are to:
Many professions, including chiropractic, have very similar goals of increasing awareness of musculoskeletal disorders and focusing on prevention. Therefore, by joining together, we will be able to accomplish these goals.
How You Can Get Involved
A practitioner in the United States can get involved by becoming a member and encouraging local and national organizations and schools to join as well. Membership dues help support National Awareness Week coordination and activities; distribution of materials at professional and community meetings; meetings of the network, task forces, and with agencies and organizations; production and distribution of materials; and primary development of awareness, education, research, and advocacy activities. All members receive a listing on the US Bone and Joint Decade (USBJD) website with a link to the member's website, a regular newsletter with updates on progression of the USBJD, participation on committees and task forces, the right to use the US Bone and Joint Decade logo with “Member” designation, and use of certain printed materials for health care professionals and patients. Participating members are also entitled to nominate candidates for the Board of Directors.
As a member of the USBJD, your organizational activities could be dovetailed with those of the USBJD. For example, the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America held a 1-day course on trauma with the USBJD, and the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals launched an audio-conference series through the help of the USBJD. As well, during the decade every October 12 to 20 the Bone and Joint Decade celebrates National Awareness Week to educate the public about prevention activities. Schools, community and sports clubs, and health care professionals are encouraged to organize an educational event or activity to talk about arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis, injuries, and childhood conditions, how to prevent them, and treatment options. Bone and Joint Decade materials are available as handouts.
Conclusions
The success of the USBJD has been due to the collaboration of many professionals, patients, researchers, and organizations. By joining together, we can improve prevention of bone and joint disorders and the quality of life for those affected. Please join us by visiting the international website http://www.boneandjointdecade.org or the US website http://www.usbjd.org for more information.
References
- . Medical care expenditures and earnings losses of persons with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States in 1997: total and incremental estimates. Arthritis Rheum. 2004;50:2317–2326
- Musculoskeletal conditions in the U.S.. In: 2nd ed.. Rosemont (Ill): American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 1999;p. 4–9
- . Prevalence of arthritis―United States. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2001. 1997;50:334–336
- . Arthritis prevalence and activity limitations—United States, 1990. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1994;43:433–438
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Orthopaedic Research: Resources and Areas of Study, 1996. Unpublished Data. 1999. p. 2.
- . The adequacy of medical school education in musculoskeletal medicine. J Bone Joint Surg. 1994;80A:1421–1427
PII: S0161-4754(05)00378-7
doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.12.012
© 2006 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Volume 29, Issue 2 , Pages 91-92, February 2006
