Research and Rare Bone Diseases
The U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative (formerly known as the United States Bone and Joint Decade), which supports the Rare Bone Disease Patient Network, is an initiative aimed at raising awareness and reducing the burden of musculoskeletal disease on society, and advancing research in prevention diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
There are active fields of research in every area of the musculoskeletal system.
These focus on improving diagnosis, looking for ways to decrease the number of people with a given condition, and to improve treatment.
The research falls into 3 main areas:
- Basic Science- answers fundamental questions on life processes and disease. These are the basic building blocks of other research and so may not be disease- or condition-specific.
- Clinical- This research works with humans and/or human tissue. This type of research is more condition- and treatment-focused.
- Translational - bridges the gap between basic and clinical research. This type of research allows findings from basic science to be used to improve prevention or treatment of disease or conditions.
Research into rare bone diseases is critical for the patients and their families searching for a cure. The bulk of funding for research by big agencies and corporations tends to go towards the more prevalent diseases. A sizeable proportion of the support for research into rare diseases comes from the families and friends of those afflicated.
Why not join these patient groups by making a contribution or joining one of their fund-raising activities. Some of them are simple, lots of fun, a great way to make friends, as well as helping those in need. Visit the websites for all the fun activities different members of the Rare Bone Disease Patient Network organize.
Research into rare diseases can typically result in the discovery of diagnoses and treatments that can be applied to other more prevalent conditions, or result in leading researchers to new areas of discovery.
Photo: A patient and researcher visiting a laboratory striving to discover a treatment for their condition.
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