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Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, including trauma, chronic musculoskeletal pain like back pain, and osteoarthritis are among the most common medical conditions that affect people in the U.S., with prevalence estimates significantly higher compared to other medical disorders. While MSK disorders can affect people of all ages, they especially impact the rapidly growing aging population. Estimates exceed 50% prevalence, or 1 in every 2 adults, and nearly 3 in every 4 adults over 65 years old have a musculoskeletal condition. Musculoskeletal conditions account for an alarming number of physician clinic visits, emergency room visits and surgeries/hospitalizations each year [1]. Globally, it is estimated that approximately 1.7 billion people are affected by some type of debilitating or painful MSK condition [2].

With a high prevalence and significant health care burden, MSK disorders negatively affect patients’ overall health and wellbeing and result in considerable overload of available medical resources. The CRA works with experts in orthopaedic research to not only better understand MSK disorders, but how early detection and effective, evidence-based treatments can improve outcomes, decrease health disparities, and increase the quality of life of those living with MSK disorders.