What is the Bone and Joint Decade?
Bone and Joint Decade, 2002-USA-2011 is part of a worldwide bone and joint decade initiative. The USA is part of this initiative in which patient, physician health care organizations, government agencies and industry have come together to improve the prevention and treatment of bone and joint disorders and to improve the quality of life of those affected by them. The goal is increased awareness, practical information and innovative research. Why do we need this? One in seven Americans is affected by a bone and joint disorder. Bone and joint disorders such as back pain and arthritis are a major source of lost work time and expense. It is the #1 reason why people visit their doctor. For the 35 million Americans whose movement is restricted by a musculoskeletal disorder there are great challenges. It might be a broken bone, hip fracture, arthritis, or sports trauma. Life can only be fully appreciated when the bones and joints in the body are strong and flexible and move smoothly. Musculos
