The burden of rheumatic disease

Clarke-Cornwell, Alexandra M.; Symmons, Deborah P.M.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal conditions are a major burden to the individual, society and the health service. Most new musculoskeletal GP consultations are for self-limiting conditions such as soft tissue rheumatism, chronic widespread pain and arthralgia. Incident cases of osteoarthritis are ten times more common compared to rheumatoid arthritis. The prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions is more common in women and tends to rise with age. Approximately one tenth of GP consultations are for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is likely that prevalence rates will continue to rise as life expectancy increases. This will in turn lead to an increase in health professional workloads and a further burden on healthcare services. Costs for musculoskeletal conditions include those to healthcare services, to society and indirect costs. A fifth of all incapacity claims in Great Britain are for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Combined costs for rheumatoid arthritis patients amount to £7000 per person affected per year, while each hip and knee replacement costs on average £5000. Risk factors for musculoskeletal conditions include age and gender. The prevalence of certain musculoskeletal conditions can vary depending on ethnicity, lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition. The main consequences of having a musculoskeletal disease are chronic pain and disability. The burden of musculoskeletal conditions is high. The impact of these conditions on the health service and society will continue to rise alongside increasing life expectancy.

Citation

Clarke-Cornwell, A. M., & Symmons, D. P. (2006). The burden of rheumatic disease. Medicine, 34(9), 333-335. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.mpmed.2006.06.007

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2006-09
• Deposit Date: Sep 23, 2023
• Journal: Medicine
• Print ISSN: 0025-7974
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 34
• Issue: 9
• Pages: 333-335
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1053/j.mpmed.2006.06.007