Who We Are

In December 2012, a study on the Global Burden of Disease and the worldwide impact of all diseases found musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis and back pain, affect more than 1.7 billion people worldwide. They are the 2nd greatest cause of disability, and have the 4th greatest impact on the overall health of the world population when considering both death and disability.[1]

In the United States alone, musculoskeletal conditions rank first among diseases using measures of disability; visits to physicians’ offices; and among impairments. Musculoskeletal conditions are a cause of impairment in performing activities of daily living for half of all persons reporting such impairments in the annual National Health Interview Survey.[2] Musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and deformities also deprive children of normal development.  

Musculoskeletal conditions are reported by 1 out of every 2 Americans,[3] accounting for 18% of all health care visits in 2011.[4] Musculoskeletal conditions were estimated to cost $213 billion direct and indirect (mortality and morbidity) in 2011, representing 1.4% of the Gross Domestic Product. For people with a musculoskeletal condition as well as other conditions, the direct and indirect costs total $874 billion, or 5.7% of GDP.[5]

In 2012, 126.6 million persons reported they suffered from a musculoskeletal injury or condition. The 65.8 million musculoskeletal injuries for which medical attention was sought in 2010/2011 accounted for more than 75% of injuries. Musculoskeletal injuries are the result of falls, unintentional injuries, workplace injuries, sports, and military injuries. Falls are a common cause of injuries in the older population, and often result in long-term care. Musculoskeletal injuries accounted for more than 1.7 million hospitalizations, 23.3 million emergency or outpatient visits, and 40.8 million physician office visits.[6]  

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in adults in the US, and a leading cause of work limitations. By 2030, the number of adults affected with doctor-diagnosed arthritis is projected to reach 67 million, or 25% of the adult population. Arthritis is reported by almost 50 percent of people age 65 and older. Today, arthritis is a more frequent cause of limitation of activity than heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. Arthritis is also the primary cause of joint replacement procedures. In 2010-2011, and estimated 1.3 to 1.4 million inpatient joint replacement procedures were performed, with hospital costs of more than $66 billion dollars.[7]

Back and spine impairments are the most prevalent among musculoskeletal impairments, affecting more than 1 in 4 adults annually and accounting for 53.8 million physician visits in 2012. Back pain is also a major cause of disability and inability to work or restricted work. Back pain accounts for 1 in 20 health care visits for any cause.[8]

Osteoporosis affects 10 million Americans and 43 million more with low bone mass are at risk, with women four times more likely than men to be affected.[9] Annually for the years 2008 to 2011, 3.6 million fragility fracture health care visits were attributed to osteoporosis, including nearly 1,000,000 visits for hip fractures.[10] Nearly one-in-two hip fractures and one-in-three of all fragility fractures occur in persons age 80 and older. In 2011 dollars, the cost to treat osteoporosis and related fractures rose by 160% since the late 1990s, and now stands at $70.5 billion.[11] As the share of the population in older cohorts in coming years, osteoporosis treatments are expected to continue increasing unless prevention and treatment strategies are initiated. In addition, hip fractures are associated with an 84% increase in probability of a stay in a skilled nursing facility, further increasing the cost associated with osteoporosis.[12]

Despite this current formation on burden of disease, and with costs currently more than $213 billion per year, current musculoskeletal research expenditures are estimated to total only about $7.8 billion annually between 2009 and 2013, less than 2% of the annual National Institutes of Health funding budget.[13] Recent studies have also shown that training in musculoskeletal medicine is inadequate in both medical school and non-musculoskeletal residency training programs. Among nonorthopaedists, scores were significantly better if they had taken a medical school course or residency musculoskeletal rotation, suggesting that such a rotation would improve the general level of musculoskeletal knowledge.[14],[15]

Musculoskeletal impairments will increase over the next 25 years, as they are most prevalent in older segments of the population. By 2040, 1 in 5 persons in the US will be age 65 or older and approximately equal to the cohort age 18 and younger.[16] Through the partnerships facilitated and promoted by The Bone and Joint Decade, musculoskeletal care providers, patients, patient advocacy groups, government, and industry will be better able to achieve the goals of the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health of the Bone and Joint Decade, and reduce the burden of musculoskeletal diseases on the population.

The United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI) is an outgrowth of the US Bone and Joint Decade 2002-2011, and part of the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health, formerly called The Bone and Joint Decade (BJD), a global campaign to improve quality of life for people with musculoskeletal conditions and to advance understanding and treatment of these conditions through research, prevention, and education.[17] The USBJI aims to raise the awareness of the increasing societal impact of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders; empower patients to participate in decisions about their care; increase funding for prevention activities and research; and promote cost-effective prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.

The Bone and Joint Decade was formally launched at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on January 13, 2000, following its endorsement by the United Nations on November 30, 1999.[18] In 2010 the global Bone and Joint Decade (BJD) was extended to 2010-2020. In 2015 the Bone and Joint Decade announced that it is changing its name to become the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health of the Bone and Joint Decade, and is seeking official recognition as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) by the WHO. It is guided by an International Coordinating Council of musculoskeletal specialists from 15 countries. The strength of the BJD comes from its worldwide network, supported by more than a thousand national and international professional, scientific, and patient organizations. National coordinators are established in 96 countries, with Bone and Joint Decade National Alliances driving the agenda and goals in 61 countries.[19]

The United States Bone and Joint Initiative is the US National Alliance of the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health of the Bone and Joint Decade. Participating organizations of the USBJI are engaged in developing new research and education programs that will bring about significant advances in the knowledge, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, and increase the number of resources at the disposal of the healthcare profession and the public at large. Currently we have 43 member organizations, 64 non-member participating organizations, and 5 associate members (for profit companies). In addition, nearly all major medical schools in the US are supporters.

(Revised November 2, 2015)

To read more on the Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States, visit http://www.boneandjointburden.org..

[1] Global Burden of Diseases, Injurie, and Risk Factors Study 2013. The Lancet, July 22, 2014. Available at: http://www.thelancet.com/themed/global-burden-of-disease   Accessed June 30, 2014.

[2] The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. “The Big Picture: Activity Limitation Due to Select Medical Conditions.” http://www.boneandjointburden.org/2014-report/ic0/activity-limitation-due-select-medical-conditions Accessed June 9, 2015.

[3] The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. “Big Picture: Prevalence.”  http://www.boneandjointburden.org/2014-report/ib0/prevalence-select-medical-conditions  Accessed June 9, 2015. 

[4] The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. “The Big Picture: Musculoskeletal Diagnoses.” http://www.boneandjointburden.org/2014-report/ie0/musculoskeletal-diagnoses Accessed June 9, 2015.

[5] The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. “The Big Picture: Health Care Utilization and Economic Cost.” http://www.boneandjointburden.org/2014-report/if0/health-care-utilization-and-economic-cost  Accessed June 9, 2015.

[6] The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. ”Injuries.” http://www.boneandjointburden.org/2014-report/vi0/injuries  Accessed June 9, 2015.

[7] The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. “Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Conditions.” http://www.boneandjointburden.org/2013-report/iv-arthritis/iv  Accessed June 9, 2015.

[8] The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. “Spine: Low Back and Neck Pain.” http://www.boneandjointburden.org/2014-report/ii/spine-low-back-and-neck-pain Accessed June 9, 2015.

[9] The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. “Osteoporosis: Prevalence.” http://www.boneandjointburden.org/2014-report/va1/current-prevalence-demographics  Accessed November 2, 2015.

[10] The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. “Osteoporosis: Fragility Fractures.” http://www.boneandjointburden.org/2014-report/vb0/fragility-fractures Accessed November 2, 2015.

[11] The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. “The Big Picture: Funding.” http://www.boneandjointburden.org/2014-report/ia0/funding  Accessed June 9, 2015.

[12] The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. “Osteoporosis: Long Term Care.” http://www.boneandjointburden.org/2014-report/vc2/long-term-care Accessed November 2, 2015.

13 The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. “The Big Picture: Funding.” http://www.boneandjointburden.org/2014-report/ia0/funding  Accessed June 9, 2015.

[14] Freedman KB, Bernstein J. The adequacy of medical school education in musculoskeletal medicine. JBJS 1998;80(10):1421-7. 

[15] Matzkin E, Smith EL, Freccero D, Richardson AB. Adequacy of education in musculoskeletal medicine. JBJS 2005;87(2):310-4.

[16] Ortman JM, Velkoff  VA, Hogan H. An aging nation: the older population in the United States. Current Population Reports: Population Estimates and Projections May 2014. http://www.census.gov/prod/2014pubs/p25-1140.pdf   Accessed June 9, 2015.

[17] The Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 for prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica 1998; suppl.281, vol. 69, no 3, June 1998.

[18] Annan, Kofi; The Secretary General Message to Launch The Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 For The Prevention and Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders. November 30, 1999.

[19] The Bone and Joint Decade Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health. The Global Alliance http://bjdonline.org/home/organisation/ Accessed June 9, 2015.


Mission and Goals

Vision

Every American knows how to maximize musculoskeletal health throughout his or her lifetime.

Mission

To raise the priority of musculoskeletal health through the collective action of all stakeholders.

Values

  • The USBJI believes that a broader and unified multidisciplinary voice will lead to more effective advocacy and increased public awareness of the need for improved musculoskeletal health.
  • The USBJI will add depth and breadth to the understanding of bone and joint disorders through a broad membership, a sharing of diverse perspectives, and exchange of knowledge among diverse providers, researchers and individuals with musculoskeletal disorders.
  • The USBJI believes in identifying, fulfilling and promoting collaborative partnership opportunities.
  • The USBJI promotes funding of musculoskeletal research, recognizing that improved patient-centered outcomes are the essential measure of return on such investments.
  • Racial and ethnic and other disparities are an integral consideration in all our programming activity.
  • The USBJI believes that all the above should be driven by data based on the burden of disease and its impact.

Goal Statement

The USBJI’s goal is to advance care for and to reduce the burden of disease of individuals with all forms of musculoskeletal disorders, including but not limited to osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthropathies,  systemic autoimmune rheumatic disorders, osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases, spinal conditions including low back and neck pain, bone and joint trauma and injuries including fractures, pediatric musculoskeletal conditions, including inherited disorders of bone, connective tissue and muscle, and chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions including fibromyalgia. These disorders affect a person’s ability to function and perform his/her activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, thus diminishing independence, quality of life, and contributions to society. The medical care and societal effects (such as inability to work) lead to a profound economic burden on society. Musculoskeletal disorders frequently are complicated by other medical conditions (comorbidities such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes). The USBJI recognizes that musculoskeletal disorders have differing etiologies and may present differently in men and women, and that disparities in care exist among diverse populations, especially those defined by race/ethnicity.  We believe that everyone should have access to high quality musculoskeletal care.


Goals

  • Increase awareness of the impact of musculoskeletal disorders on Americans, regaining optimal function in their daily lives, and lowering societal and economic cost: The USBJI will provide authoritative information on the burden of musculoskeletal diseases in the United States including not only the prevalence of these diseases by age, gender, race/ethnicity and region, among other factors, but also the economic burden of these diseases on the American society.
  • Increase awareness of the importance of musculoskeletal treatment and prevention strategies: The USBJI will promote health services research that assesses the value of musculoskeletal care, and stimulates its improvement.
  • Increase funding for musculoskeletal research: The USBJI provides a means for the entire American community of musculoskeletal care providers and researchers to identify and communicate with potential sources of research funds. Our collaborative efforts present a stronger request for support than can be generated by individual member organizations.
  • Increase musculoskeletal education for all students, trainees, and providers of healthcare: The need for musculoskeletal education is suggested by the proportion of the burden of disease that is related to MSK disorders. Efforts to address the inadequate attention to MSK education in most American medical schools began during the Bone & Joint Decade, with considerable progress. The USBJI believes that further improvement will enhance patients' access to quality musculoskeletal care. We thus propose additional strengthening of MSK educational efforts, in curricula for other relevant healthcare disciplines and also post-graduate medical education. Particular attention should be given to those who are preparing for careers as primary care providers (e.g. MDs and DOs preparing for Family Practice, General Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics as well as Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants.)
USBJI Strategic Plan 2018–2021

History and Achievements

The United States Bone and Joint Initiative is an international collaborative movement sanctioned by the United Nations/World Health Organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for people with musculoskeletal conditions and to advance the understanding, prevention and treatment of these conditions. Sixty-three national governments and more than 750 patient advocacy and health professional organizations endorse this effort.

Officially proclaimed by the U.S. President, George W. Bush, the United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI), previously known as the United States Bone and Join Decade, has been endorsed by all 50 states and more than 100 national health care professional, patient and public organizations, 125 U.S. medical schools and many colleges of medicine.

The goal of the United States Bone and Joint Initiative is to improve bone and joint health by enhancing collaborative efforts among individuals and organizations in order to raise awareness of the growing burden of musculoskeletal disorders on society, to promote wellness and prevent musculoskeletal disease, and to advance research that will lead to improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

These past years have presented a real opportunity to advance the causes of advocacy and education in musculoskeletal conditions across the United States. Among our successes, the United States Bone and Joint Initiative has developed programs around osteoporosis and arthritis that have been presented to more than 600 audiences. We have prepared and published the newest edition of the The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States, and we have developed a career development and grant mentoring program that has seen our graduates receive millions of dollars in research funding. We have also worked diligently on the education front by partnering with the National Board of Medical Examiners to launch a new shelf test for musculoskeletal medicine as well as developing public and professional education programs.

Timeline

  • March 2014: Young Investigator Initiative: 137 participants in the USBJI and BJD Canada's Young Investigator Initiative program report $124,604,564 in approved funding for 506 new grants since starting the program.
  • November 2013: The Best Practices in Patient-centered Musculoskeletal Care Summit was held in Washington, DC, and Recommendations issue
  • September 2013: The COAMI Osteoarthritis Management Conference to initiate the process to develop a Model of Care was held.
  • June 2013: Steve Gnatz, MD, MHA, became USBJI President.
  • December 2012: Young Investigator Initiative: 111 participants in the USBJ1 and BJD Canada's Young Investigator Initiative program report $98,891,548 in approved funding for 402 new grants since starting the program.
  • October 2012: An annual World PB&J Day is launched by the USBJI Pediatric Specialty Group, to be held every year on October 19. The theme for the first year was Vitamin D deficiency in children.
  • May 2012: The first meeting of the Chronic Osteoarthritis Management Initiative (COAMI) was held and a Call to Action was issued.
  • December 2011: Young Investigator Initiative: 97 participants in the USBJ1 and BJD Canada's Young Investigator Initiative program report more than $65 million in approved funding for 331 new grants since starting the program.
  • October 2011: The USBJI hosted the first Musculoskeletal Summit on The Value in Musculoskeletal Care, in Washington, DC, resulting in fifteen Recommendations for Action.
  • 2011: The organization modified its name to become the United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI).
  • 2011: The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States was updated.
  • February 2011: Kimberly Templeton, MD became USBJI President.
  • December 2010: Young Investigator Initiative: 84 participants in the USBJ1 and BJD Canada's Young Investigator Initiative program report $60,242,880 in approved funding since starting the program.
  • December 2010: The number of medical schools requiring instruction or a clerkship in musculoskeletal medicine reaches 83%.
  • 2010: The USBJI Board developed an updated strategic plan for the organization beyond 2011, and considered modifying the name to better suit a vibrant ongoing entity.
  • December 2009: The Board decided to continue the USBJD and its activities beyond 2011.
  • October 2009: The USBJD hosted the Bone and Joint Decade Annual Global Meeting, in Washington, DC, the first meeting of its kind to bring together musculoskeletal community thought-leaders in the United States, and representatives from more than 50 countries. The program focused on advances in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research for major condition areas, and setting priorities for the future.  At the meeting the Global Bone and Joint Decade took the decision to continue the Decade after 2010.
  • June 2009: Joshua J. Jacobs, MD becomes USBJI President.
  • December 2008: Young Investigator Initiative: Forty seven participants in the USBJD and BJD Canada's Young Investigator Initiative program report $20,987,401 in approved funding since starting the program. 
  • October 2007: The USBJD launches the Latino version of Fit to a T, at a meeting of the California Hispanic community in Sacramento, CA, organized in partnership with the California Hispanic Osteoporosis Foundation, Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education, National Association for Commissions for women, and the California Orthopaedic Association.
  • October 2007: As part of World Spine Day and using Straighten Up America, the USBJD's public education program on spine health, Life University faculty member, Dr. Milagros Rosado, educated and empowered the global Spanish-speaking community regarding spinal health on CNN En Espanol. In a live interview with award winning anchor, Claudia Palacios, Dr. Milagros Rosado explained the importance of maintaining excellent posture and living an active spine-healthy lifestyle. In a related World Spine Day opportunity, Dr. Jeff Miller and intern Christy Metz from the Clinics at Cleveland Chiropractic College Kansas City demonstrated Straighten Up exercises on Kansas Citys NBC television affiliate, KSHB. Other exciting World Spine Day developments included new Straighten Up launches in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Cyprus with a new website. In Korea Carol Grubstadt DC presented the Straighten Up Posture Pod to legislators and practitioners at a Legislative Symposium on World Spine Day. Though originating in the US, the Straighten Up initiative has been translated into 8 languages.
  • September 2007: International Clubfoot Symposium: The symposium, attended by more than 200 participants from 44 countries took place in Iowa. Funded by NIH and the Ponseti International Association in collaboration with WHO, CDC, POSNA, EPOS, AAP, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, the meeting served as a unique forum that included: exploration of the many aspects of the etiopathogenesis of idiopathic and syndromic clubfoot, which represent the most common musculoskeletal birth defect and a leading cause of childhood disability in the developing world; a rigorous evaluation of treatment outcomes for both non-invasive and surgical procedures was addressed; discussions on public health issues with the main goal of developing programs to prevent and eradicate neglected clubfoot. The symposium provided a unique opportunity for professionals from very different disciplines (including basic science, medicine, and public health) to interact. It is expected the meeting will lead to more translational research and training such as risk factors related to countries, ethnicities, etc; data collection and surveillance leading to the development of prevention and eradication programs; the creation of an International Clubfoot Research Network; the development of foreign research capacity for this crippling deformity, and for other musculoskeletal birth defects.
  • August 2007: Fit to a T - 100 sessions: The USBJD marked the 100th session of its flagship public education program on bone health and osteoporosis, Fit to a T. New program partners during 2007 include Business and Professional Women/USA, National Association of Commissions for Women, American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Allied Rheumatology Health Professionals, and American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics.
  • June 2007: Road Safety and Teen Drivers: The USBJD issues a call for health care professionals willing to work with the American Automobile Association to advocate for the strengthening of state graduated driver licensing laws.
  • June 2007: Annual/Board meeting 2007: The annual/Board meeting is held June 5 at the University of Iowa. Members-at-Large Brenda Crabbs, Cynthia Howe, MSN, RN, ONC, Kenneth Johnson, DO, Kimberly Templeton, MD, and Hillary Weldon are elected. J. Edward Puzas, PhD, takes over from Nancy Lane, MD, as USBJD President. June 4 the Board held a planning session to develop a new strategic plan for the USBJD. Also on June 4 a number of Board members made presentations to faculty and staff.
  • June 2007: Council of Musculoskeletal Educators: Held in conjunction with the AMA House of Delegates meeting, representatives of 17 disciplines concerned with musculoskeletal health, as part of the USBJD program Project 100, agreed a Council of Musculoskeletal Educators should be formed as the next step towards improving musculoskeletal education at medical schools.
  • May 2007: Back Pain, and Oligoarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Condition Kits released: A USBJD Condition Kit on Back Pain, and another on Oligoarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis have been released. 
  • May 2007: World Health Organization: Public Education Committee member Ron Kirk, DC, met with Dr. Asamoa Baah, WHO Deputy Director General, and officals of the WHO Occupational and Environmental Cluster, and the WHO Child and Adolescent Health and Development cluster to discuss improving worker and child health through the Straighten Up America program.
  • May 2007: Osteoporosis Education Kit to Prevent Future Fractures: Unveiled by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, the Bone and Joint Decade, and the International Society for Fracture Repair, a new osteoporosis education kit is launched to help orthopaedic surgeons better diagnose and treat the 'brittle bone' disease. 
  • March 2007: Arthritis Today magazine features Fit to a T: Arthritis Today, a magazine published by the Arthritis Foundation, features osteoporosis and Fit to a T, the USBJD public education program on bone health and osteoporosis. Because of interest in the story Arthritis Today goes on to develop content on its web site and a link to the Fit to a T Risk Assessment questionnaire. www.fit2t.org
  • February 2007: Rare Bone Disease Patient Network: The Network participates at the annual meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society in Feburary, and also holds its second annual meeting at the offices of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
  • December 2006: Fit to a T in 2006: Fifty-two sessions of Fit to a T, the USBJD's public education program on bone health and osteoporosis took place in 2006. www.fit2t.org
  • December 2006: Musculoskeletal Conditions in the United States: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American College of Rheumatology, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Scoliosis Research Society, Orthopaedic Research Society, Arthritis Foundation, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, and later the National University of Health Sciences join the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to develop an updated Musculoskeletal Conditions in the United States. This important resource for increasing awareness about bone and joint conditions, and for researchers, will be offered online, as well as in print in full and as an executive summary.
  • November 2006: Surgeon General Meeting: November 13 some 20 representatives of USBJD participating organizations, NIAMS, the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, and the BJD International Steering Committee, met with Rear Admiral Kenneth Moritsugu, MD, MPH, acting Surgeon General, to discuss progress of Fit to a T. The meeting was organized by Wanda Jones, PhD, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of Women's Health, DHHS.
  • November 2006: USBJD Receives Arthritis Foundation Award: The USBJD is awarded the Arthritis Foundation Metropolitan Chapter's Lifetime Achievement Award for 2006.
  • October 2006: National Action Week 2006: The NAW is launched at a game of the NY Giants. Among activities taking place across the country: Choices and Outcome of Joint Replacements - A Public Symposium is held in New York City; The CDC releases new figures on the prevalence of arthritis; Shriners Hospitals for Children launch a campaing focusing on juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; Straighten Up America, a new public education program on back health is launched; The World's Largest Dinner Party is held. 
  • October 2006: Straighten Up America launched: SUA, a new public education program on back health is launched worldwide. In the U.S., a special Decade version is also launched.
  • October 2006: Choices and Outcomes of Joint Replacements: A public symposium, organized by BJD Ambassador Peter Walker, was held October 9 in New York. For more, see USBJD Newsletter December 2006/January 2007. 
  • October 2006: USBJD Receives BJD International Award: The 2006 BJD International Award for Research Funding Relations was awarded to the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade for its extraordinary initiative in developing a program that trains young U.S. and Canadian clinical investigators in how to obtain research grants for musculoskeletal science - the Young Investigator Initiative. 
  • September 2006: Young Investigator Initiative: Seventeen new and seventeen returning young investigators participate in the Fall 2006 workshop in Vancouver, British Columbia. 
  • September 2006: Rare Bone Disease Patient Network: The newly formed Rare Bone Disease Patient Network makes its debut at the annual meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. https://rbdalliance.org/
  • September 2006: Musculoskeletal Medicine Subject Examination: A subject examination in musculoskeletal medicine was released by the National Board of Medical Examiners. The exam will be tested and validated over the next year. For more, see USBJD Newsletter December 2006/January 2007. 
  • June 2006: Annual/Board meeting 2006: The USBJD annual/Board meeting was held June 6 at the Kansas Univeristy Medical Center. J. Edward Puzas, PhD was elected as President-Elect. June 5, several Board members presented lectures to KUMC faculty and staff on their specialties.
  • June 2006: First corporate Fit to a T session - LaSalle Bank: A "Lunch n' Learn" session of Fit to a T, the USBJD public education program on bone health and osteoporosis is held at LaSalle Bank in Chicago. www.fit2t.org
  • June 2006: BJD Global Network Conference 2009: The USBJD Board approves formation of a committee, with co-chairs Dr. Nancy Lane and Dr. Stuart Weinstein, to organize the annual meeting in 2009 of all Bone and Joint Decade National Action Networks. The meeting will take place October 20-25, 2009, in Washington, DC.
  • June 2006: Election of J. Edward Puzas, Ph.D. - June 6, 2006, J. Edward Puzas, Ph.D., was elected President-Elect by the Board of the United States Bone and Joint Decade (USBJD). Dr. Puzas will become USBJD President 2007-2009 as of the annual/Board meeting in 2007. Dr. Puzas became co-chair of the USBJD Research Committee in 2002, and has been chair since June 2003. He has also served as Secretary of the USBJD since June 2003. As a Board member Dr. Puzas represents the Orthopaedic Research Society.
  • April 2006: Rare Bone Disease groups meet: April 6 several patient groups met at the offices of the National Osteoporosis Foundation to discuss common issues they face, opportunities for collaboration and to bring them into the "bone community." Dr. Stephen Groft of the NIH Office of Rare Diseases, Joan McGowan, NIH/NIAMS, and Ann Elderkin of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research also attended the meeting. https://rbdalliance.org/
  • April 2006: Young Investigator Initiative: The third USBJD and Bone and Joint Canada workshop is held, this time welcoming ten returning and sixteen new participants. Guest speakers included Mary Crow, President, American College of Rheumatology, and the presidential line of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 
  • March 2006: Pediatric Curriculum: Representatives of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Society of North America met to develop a pediatric musculoskeletal curriculum for residents.
  • March 2006: All 125 U.S. Medical Schools endose Decade - March 2, 2006 the USBJD was pleased to announce that all 125 American Medical Schools have declared their support for the Decade. For more on Project 100, the Decade's initiative to improve musculoskeletal health education at medical schools. Project 100
  • March 2006: Pinpointing Cause of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) Will Accelerate Development of Treatments for FOP and Common Bone Disorders - Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have located the “skeleton key, a gene that, when damaged, causes the body's skeletal muscles and soft connective tissue to undergo a metamorphosis into bone, progressively locking joints in place and rendering movement impossible. Identifying the gene that causes fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), one of the rarest and most disabling genetic conditions known to humans and a condition that imprisons its childhood victims in a second skeleton, has been the focus at Penn's Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders for the past 15 years. This important discovery is relevant, not only for patients with FOP, but also for those with more common skeletal conditions. 
  • November 2005: Young Investigator Initiative workshop: The USBJD and Bone and Joint Canada held the second YII workshop in Toronto, Canada. 
  • October 2005: Road Safety Survey: Following publication of a series of articles in club publications of the American Automobile Association on road safety, the USBJD and AAA undertook a survey in which more than 1,000 healthcare professionals replied on road safety and seniors. The results were released during National Action Week along with resources for member organizations and their members to use.
  • October 2005: National Institutes of Health meeting: More than thirty USBJD participating organizations met at the National Institutes of Health to discuss opportunities for collaboration and partnership. The meeting was organized by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and chaired by its director, Dr. Stephen Katz. For more, see December 2005/January 2006 newsletter. 
  • October 2005: National Action Week 2005: Fit to a T, the USBJD's new bone health and osteoporosis public education program, is launched with eight pilot sessions at public libraries across the country, PB&J (Protect Your Bones and Joints) is released newly modified with the participation of members of several Decade organizations, a meeting is held of more than thrity Decade participating organizations with the National Institutes of Health, several pediatric organizations led by the Shriners Hospitals for Children launch focus on osteogenesis imperfecta. 
  • October 2005: AAMC recommends learning objectives for musculoskeletal medicine education - The AAMC has published a Medical School Objectives Project report on "Musculoskeletal Medicine Education" to coincide with U.S. Bone and Joint Decade National Action Week 2005. The report describes the basic learning objectives and educational strategies related to musculoskeletal medicine education in the undergraduate curriculum for all American medical schools, highlighting the knowledge, skills and attitiudes all graduating medical students should possess in musculoskeletal medicine. This report will support the efforts of Project 100, a Decade sponsored venture to ensure that 100% of American medical schools offer dedicated instruction in musculoskeletal medicine. 
  • August 2005: Trauma Condition Kit: The USBJD's Condition Kit on Trauma is released. 
  • July 2005: Capitol Hill Reception - Children and FOP: The USBJD held a reception on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, July 13, 2005, with the International Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Association (IFOPA). The session with a briefing on FOP presented the need for more research, and was sponsored by Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Rick Santorum (R-PA), Congressmen Michael Ferguson (R-NJ) and Robert Andrews (D-NJ). Guests and speakers included Dr. David Glaser from the FOP laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania; Dr. Peter Armstrong, Director, Medical Affairs, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and Board member of the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade; renowned author, Carol Higgins Clark, USBJD Board members Dr. David Spiegel and Hilary Weldon.
  • July 2005: Surgeon General meeting: Kimberley Templeton, MD, chair of the USBJD Public Education Committee, Toby King, Executive Director, and Bella Dingh-Zarr of the American Autmobile Association, meet with Dr. Richard Carmona, Surgeon General to dicuss plans for launch of the Decade's public education program on bone health and osteoporosis, a response to the Surgeon General's report on the same. www.fit2t.org
  • July 2005: Childhood Condition Kit: The USBJD's Condition Kit on Childhood Musculoskeletal Diseases was released. 
  • June 2005: Nancy Lane, MD, is elected USBJD President 2005-2007. Dr. Lane headed the task force that developed the USBJD's Young Investigators Initiative. As a Board member, Dr. Lane represents the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
  • June 2005: Annual/Board meeting: The USBJD's annual/Board meeting was held at the Headquarters of Shriners Hospitals for Children, in Tampa, FL. Nancy Lane, MD, was elected President. Joshua Jacobs, MD, outlined a proposal for updating Musculoskeletal Conditions in the United States as a joint project involving the Decade.
  • May 2005: Young Investigators Initiative launched: May 13-15 the first workshop of the USBJD's Young Investigator Initiative program was held. The program, organized in partnership with Bone and Joint Canada, focuses on developing clinical researchers in the field of musculoskeletal research. 
  • April 2005: Three new testimonial announcements were released: the first highlights juvenile arthritis; the second the importance of the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act; the third cerebral palsy.
  • January 2005: Celebrating anniversaries in 2005
  • 75 years - American Academy of Pediatrics
  • 50 years - Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF)
  • 25 years - National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON)
  • 15 years - American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS)
  • October 2004: National Action Week 2004 was launched at the American Stock Exchange, where Joe Klecko, former New York Jets player sounded the Opening Bell. 
  • October 2004: Protect Your Bones - This educational program for high school students was successfully launched as a pilot program in Cleveland, Ohio. The program was delivered to over 1,000 freshman students. 
  • October 2004: Project 100 - A Question-Writing Task Force met for the first time to develop more questions on musculoskeletal health for the National Board of Medical Examiners.
  • October 2004: Surgeon General's Report on Osteoporosis and Bone Health - This much anticipated report was released on October 14, during the Decade's National Awareness Week. www.surgeongeneral.gov
  • September 2004: Project 100 - Under the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Objectives Program, a panel of experts met to develop recommendations on the knowledge and skills graduating medical students should possess relating to musculoskeletal health. The panel is expected to issue its recommendations in 2005.
  • September 2004: Stephen Katz, MD, PhD, Director, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS/NIH), in an editorial published in the October edition of the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (JBMR), draws attention to the importance of the United States Bone and Joint Decade (2002-2011), and the need for more physician-scientists to conduct clinical research to address the shortage of physicians in the research pipeline.
  • July 2004: Osteoporosis Condition Kit: The USBJD's first condition kit was launched, on osteoporosis. The condition kits are designed to provide an overview of the scope of disease, caues, diagnosis, treatment, and future research directions. Learn About Osteoporosis
  • July 2004: Capitol Hill luncheon - Osteoporosis - The Bone and Joint Decade sponsored a luncheon with the National Osteoporosis Foundation on Capitol Hill to raise awareness of musculoskeletal diseases and conditions in the United States. The event, sponsored by Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Reps. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) and Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) focused on advancements in the research and treatment of osteoporosis. More than 50 congressional staff attended the luncheon, including Allan Noonan, MD, MPH, Special Advisor to the office of the U.S. Surgeon General. Regis O’Keefe, MD, PhD, an orthopaedic surgeon from Rochester, N.Y., and president of the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade (USBJD) chaired the session. Speakers included Deborah T. Gold, PhD, Linda Harrigan, Joan McGowan, PhD, Cliff Rosen, MD. 
  • June 2004: Annual/Board meeting: The USBJD's 2004 annual/Board meeting was held at the offices of the American College of Rheumatology. Half the day was devoted to dicussions about how to increase the role of patients in the Decade with participation from Jack Klippel, MD, of the Arthritis Foundation, Charles Helmick, MD, of the CDC, and Mark Rosenberg, MD, of the Global Road Safety Steering Committee.
  • April 2004: Road Safety - USBJD Board passes resolution in support of reducing road injuries, recognizing the World Health Organization's designation of Road Safety on World Health Day, April 7, and the United Nations emphasis on road safety. Decade participating organizations are called on to promote road safety, and to identify specific areas in which they can contribute to reducing the burden. 
  • March 2004: Association of American Medical Colleges agrees to establish an expert panel to develop an Objectives Paper on musculoskeletal education for medical schools. National Board of Medical Examiners agrees to develop a shelf test on musculoskeletal education with the Decade.
  • March 2004: ASBMR Launches Bone Curriculum Site - The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research announced the launch of its Bone Curriculum Web site. 
  • February 2004: The number of resolutions, obtained by Gary Whyte, from the states of New Jersey and New York, in support of the Bone and Joint Decade and calling for more research into Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) reaches over 230. FOP is a rare genetic disorder that causes bone to form in muscles, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues where it should not, so creating an extra skeleton that restricts movement and immobilizes the joints of the body. The City of New York proclaims February 2004 as FOP month. 
  • October 2003: Project 100 - Musculoskeletal Education: Meeting of specialists in musculoskeletal medicine, including orthopaedists, rheumatologists, physiatrists, and researchers, with the Association of American Medical Colleges to discuss musculoskeletal education and to develop recommendations.
  • October 2003: National Awareness Week activities of participating organizations reach over 26 million Americans.
  • September 2003: Decade invites medical schools to support the Decade. By March 2004 57 medical schools have done so, and 17 colleges of osteopathic medicine.
  • September 2003: Musculoskeletal Medicine textbook published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Editor, Joseph Bernstein, MD, MS. 
  • May 2003: The United States Bone and Joint Decade (USBJD) has elected a new president—Regis J. O’Keefe, MD, PhD, professor of orthopaedics and oncology, Rochester University Medical Center, N.Y. Dr. O’Keefe takes over as President from Stuart Weinstein, M.D., who was recently named second vice president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
  • The election took place on Friday, May 30, 2003 at the USBJD annual meeting.
  • At the same meeting Michael J. Condit, MD, was elected USBJD treasurer and John P. Dormans, MD, Kenneth J. Koval, MD and Andrea McConville, RN, were elected members-at-large of the USBJD Board.
  • Dr. Condit represents the American College of Rheumatology on the Board, Dr. Dormans, represents the Scoliosis Research Society, Dr. Koval represents the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, and Andrea McConville represents the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses.
  • February 2003: The American Orthopaedic Society For Sports Medicine announced funding of a multi-center research project on non-contact ACL injuries as part of its contribution to the Bone and Joint Decade.
  • Non-contact ACL injuries are a major concern within orthopaedic sports medicine. The Society has earmarked up to $250,000 in support of research projects that focus specifically on neuromuscular and biomechanical factors in the genesis and prevention of non-contact ACL injuries.
  • In awarding its first grant, the Society ran a workshop to review a broad range of proposals and used a competitive grants evaluation process. It subsequently presented the award to a collaborative comprehensive proposal that resulted from the workshop, from North Carolina University, US Naval Academy, Boston University and the Orthopaedics Center of Rockville, MD, for a multi-center study on Epidemiology of Jump-Landing Movements and ACL Injury.
  • For more information contact the Society at 847-292-4900
  • January 2003: Dr. Joseph Bernstein is nominated to lead the USBJD Committee on Medical School Education. Their major activity "Project 100" is to develop, offer and have instituted a musculosketlal curricula in medical schools during the Decade.
  • January 2003: USBJD held first meeting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meeting focused on arthritis program at CDC. Report appeared in March 2003 edition of USBJD Newsletter. 
  • December 2002: Dr. Edward Puzas and Dr. Philip Osdoby are nominated to co-chair USBJD's new Research Committee. Dr. Puzas represents the Orthopaedic Research Society for the USBJD, and Dr. Osdoby the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
  • October 2002: TIME magazine published cover story on "The Coming Epidemic of Arthritis."
  • USBJD followed up with a letter to the Editor from Dr. Weinstein, USBJD President and USNAN National Coordinator. An excerpt reads:
  • "The United States Bone and Joint Decade applauds Time on your coverage of the burden of arthritis on our society, and for bringing such a critical health care issue to the forefront for discussion. This timely article follows on the heels of the March 2002 declaration by President Bush of the years 2002-2011 as the National Bone and Joint Decade."
  • October 2002: USBJD held first meeting with the National Institutes of Health.
  • Chaired by Stephen Katz, Director, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the meeting drew the directors and staff of other institutes as well as Elias A. Zerhouni, MD, Director of the NIH. Other Institute Directors attending included:
  • · Richard Hodes, MD, National Institute on Aging (NIA)
  • · Duane Alexander, MD, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
  • · Allen Spiegel, MD, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
  • For report on meeting see USBJD Newsletter, December 2002. 
  • October 2002: US Bone and Joint Decade launched new website, and print materials for physicians to use and distribute. All US participating organizations linked to site. 
  • September 2002: US Bone and Joint Decade won "Special Achievement Award" from International Bone and Joint Decade.
  • September 2002: USBJD Chair, and US NAN National Coordinator Stuart Weinstein, MD attends national coordinators meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
  • July 2002: Decade presented to Board of Trustees of the American Osteopathic Association, and promoted at the American Juvenile Arthritis Foundation annual convention.
  • June 2002: The USBJD initiated a Patient Information section on its website. USBJD Board met, and also held first meeting with industry representatives. Decade promoted at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association annual convention.
  • May 2002: Media teleconference held on back pain.
  • April 2002: : The US Bone and Joint Decade opened an office, and hired Toby King to coordinate activities. In August Mr. King became the USBJD Executive Director. 
  • March 2002: President Bush officially proclaimed the Bone and Joint Decade designating the years 2002-2011 for the Decade in the United States. Wyeth becomes the first corporate Founding Supporter of the USBJD. 
  • February 2002: Founding Members of the US National Action Network held a meeting to incorporate the United States Bone and Joint Decade (USBJD) as a charitable not-for-profit organization. Founding Members form Board of USBJD, succeeding Steering Committee. The newly incorporated body’s certificate of incorporation was received in June from the State of Illinois. Decade promoted at American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual conference, Dallas.
  • January 2002: Fortune magazine published two cover story articles on the Decade.
  • October 2001: Steering Committee of the US National Action Network met.