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Symptomatic articular cartilage degeneration: the impact in the new millennium
D W Jackson1, T M Simon, H M Aberman
1Southern California Center for Sports Medicine, Long Beach, USA.
Insights
Articular cartilage degeneration, leading to arthritis, is a growing public health issue in the US. Documenting the cost-effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Symptomatic articular cartilage degeneration and arthritis are prevalent chronic conditions in the US.
- These conditions are the leading causes of limitations in daily activities and work disability.
- The aging population increases the number of individuals seeking relief, magnifying the socioeconomic impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the escalating socioeconomic burden of articular cartilage degeneration.
- To emphasize the need for cost-effectiveness documentation of prevention and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of the socioeconomic impact of articular cartilage degeneration.
- Analysis of direct medical costs and indirect economic losses associated with arthritis.
Main Results:
- Direct medical costs and economic losses from arthritis exceed $65 billion annually in the US.
- Expenditures for complementary and alternative therapies for arthritis are also in the billions.
- The impact extends beyond individuals to families and society.
Conclusions:
- The increasing prevalence and aging population necessitate a focus on the value and cost-effectiveness of interventions.
- Further research is required to document the societal benefits of prevention and treatment programs for articular cartilage degeneration.
Abstract:
The symptomatic degeneration of articular cartilage and associated arthritis is among the most prevalent chronic conditions in the United States and the population most at risk is increasing. It is the leading cause of limitations in activities of daily living and is second to heart disease in causing work disability. The current and future socioeconomic impact of chronic articular cartilage disease on the healthcare system will be magnified by increasing numbers of patients who will seek relief of their symptoms and their disability to remain active. Because these individuals live longer and remain active, the proportion of their life living with symptoms and disability from articular cartilage degeneration increases. The economic, psychologic, and social impact of degenerative articular cartilage can be enormous for these individuals but it also impacts their family and society. The direct traditional medical costs and indirect economic and wage loss from arthritis in individuals the United States has reached in excess of $65 billion annually and is expected to increase as the population ages. In addition, the expenditures for complementary and alternative professional services and therapies for arthritis is increasing and is also in the billions of dollars annually. Because of these escalating costs, documenting the value of the patient and cost effectiveness to society of prevention and treatment programs for symptomatic articular cartilage degeneration will be required.