A rheumatologist is a physician who manages patients with bone, joint and muscle disorders that DO NOT require surgery as part of their management.
Musculoskeletal conditions may result from a wide range of processes including injury, inflammation, infection, metabolic or endocrinological conditions and the normal aging process.
Musculoskeletal conditions
Musculoskeletal conditions are responsible for a major burden in the Australian health system, affecting around 31% of the population – more than 6 million Australians. Musculoskeletal conditions are the most common cause of severe long term pain and physical disability and are major causes for work limitation and early retirement. Back pain, joint disorders (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) and osteoporosis make the greatest contribution to this burden.
A common misconception is that chronic musculoskeletal conditions are inevitable and an unavoidable consequence of ageing. In reality, the burden of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions can be reduced through intervention at various points along the disease continuum including prevention, early diagnosis, prompt initiation of treatment, ongoing management and timely access to joint replacement.
