Musculoskeletal Disease Facts

Musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases include any injury or disorder that affects muscles, bones, tendons, joints, cartilage, or spine. MSK diseases impose a large economic burden on both patients and healthcare systems, are the leading cause of disability and missed work, and significantly reduce quality of life.

Did You Know?

  • Musculoskeletal diseases are extremely common, affecting about half of the adults in the United States. You may have heard of some of them, such as:
    • Arthritis – pain and stiffness in joints, especially hip or knee
    • Low back pain – caused by either muscle strain or disc injury
    • Osteoporosis – condition of low bone mass
  • About $980 billion dollars are spent every year on treatment and lost wages due to musculoskeletal diseases
  • 2 million sports injuries require medical attention every year – about 60% are musculoskeletal related
  • Musculoskeletal diseases can affect everyone – from infants to senior citizens
    • Some musculoskeletal injuries and disorders can lead to lifelong problems!

About Musculoskeletal Research:

  • With the extensive impact of musculoskeletal disease, how much research is funded?
    • Not enough! Musculoskeletal research receives much less funding compared to other major health conditions, despite the significant economic and societal burden.
  • The primary funders of  research in the United States are:
    • The National Institutes of Health (NIH), particularly the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), and the National Institute of Aging (NIA).
    • The Department of Defense (DOD), particularly through the Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic Research Program (PRORP) of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).
    • Private organizations and foundations, such as the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF).

Research and Data Sources

The data in this helpful guide is provided by the United States Bone and Joint Initiative (2020). As of January 1, 2024, the Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States (BMUS) is owned and operated by the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS).

Read the Data From BMUS

ORS Research and Initiatives

ORS members are involved across the spectrum of MSK research topics, including basic, translational, and clinic research. You can learn more about ORS members and their research through ORS Member Spotlights and the Ask the Experts Series.

Ask the Experts Series

Organized by the ORS Public Outreach Committee, the series bringing together basic science and clinical perspectives to address key topics in orthopaedic research. The series aims to provide accessible, informative content for the general public.

Available Installments: 

Open Door

The ORS Open Door program is a dynamic, day-long event held alongside the ORS Annual Meeting. Organized by the ORS Advocacy Council and powered by volunteers from ORS Public Outreach, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, Scientific Communications, and Social Media Committees, this program introduces middle- and high-school students (Grades 6-12) to exciting career possibilities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Open Door has focused on addressing gender, racial, and ethnic disparities in orthopaedics by actively engaging first-generation and underrepresented minority students.

Partnering with a local STEM outreach organization and venue, Open Door immerses students in:

  • Career talks from diverse professionals (engineers, biologists, physicians)
  • Panels featuring ORS members from historically underserved backgrounds in STEM
  • Hands-on workshops and engaging demonstrations

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