Australia's most chronic conditions include osteoporosis, arthritis and back pain: AIHW

According to a new report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), an increasing number of Australians are getting hospitalised because of arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal conditions.

The report, released on Dec. 3, claims that even though the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions has not become more common than in 2004-05, there has been a 13 per cent increase in the rate of hospitalisation because of it.

“Hospitalisation rates increased across most musculoskeletal conditions, and dramatically across some,” said AIHW spokesperson Ann Hunt, in a press release. “For example, osteoarthritis hospitalisation increased by 15 per cent, while rheumatoid arthritis hospitalisation increased by 54 per cent and juvenile arthritis by 131 per cent.”

The report further states that the hospitalisation rate because of osteoarthritis is primarily related to knee and hip replacement surgeries. There has been an increase of 32 per cent and 25 per cent in cases of knee and hip replacement, respectively.

However, the report also states that some hospitalisations are because of a requirement to get a drug administered by a specialist rheumatologist. For instance, in the case of juvenile arthritis, biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are now administered more frequently. There are drugs known to cease or slow the progression of the disease and the drug is administered by a rheumatologist while the person stays in the hospital.

The AIHW's Musculoskeletal conditions compendium provides a detailed information and statistics on common musculoskeletal conditions including osteoarthritis, back pain, juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.

The information clearly explains each condition, its symptoms, people who are at a greater risk of getting affected by the condition, treatment options, expenses and quality of life.

Nearly 6.1 million Australians suffer from arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. It is estimated that in 2008-09, nearly $5.7 billion were spent on treatment and management of these conditions.

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