Prevalence: The Burden of Disease

Burden of disease refers to the combination of the incidence/prevalence, impact (in terms of quality of life and disability), and cost of musculoskeletal conditions. In 1999 and 2000 two conferences, hosted by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, were organized to determine the burden of disease of musculoskeletal conditions in the United States on American society. For many, this was the first activity of the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade, and its most important initial charge. A good knowledge of the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions provides the foundation to support education, research and advocacy activities of the Decade.

The following slide set provides a summary of the findings of the two conferences. After viewing the slide set, you should refer to the following section titled "Resources" for more comprehensive data, and to find out how to obtain materials mentioned in the slide set.

Click here to see the Slide Set Presentation

(size 1.12 MB, download time approx 10 sec/1.5 aDSL, 27 min/56k modem)