Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions are large contributors
to illness, pain and disability in Australia, according to a report
released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
(AIHW) and launched by Minister for Ageing the Hon. Julie
Bishop.
The report, Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions in
Australia, is the first of its kind, designed to generate
national baseline information on the subject.
Report co-author Dr Naila Rahman, from the AIHW's National
Centre for Monitoring Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions,
said that around 6.1 million Australians are estimated to have
arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition, and almost one in five of
them say they have activity limitations associated with their
condition.
'In addition to pain, restricted mobility is the most commonly
reported symptom. Limitations on activities of daily living include
going out of the house, getting in and out of bed, and performing
many household chores,' Dr Rahman said.
The effects of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can be
insidious.
'A large number of joint replacements in Australia, in
particular knee and hip replacements are due to osteoarthritis.
Joint replacements increased from almost 30,000 procedures in
1997-98 to close to 40,000 in 2003-04, and this number is likely to
increase as the population ages,' said report co-author Dr Kuldeep
Bhatia.
Costs associated with long-term treatment and management of
arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions accounted for the third
largest component of health expenditure in Australia in 2000-01,
with an estimated expenditure of $4.6 billion.
Report co-author, Ms Elizabeth Penm, said those costs are likely
to increase for several reasons.
'Not only are surgical procedures on the rise, but more
effective yet costly prescription drugs such as COX-2 inhibitors
and biologic response modifiers have been introduced over the last
several years. So we're likely to continue to see higher costs in
this area.'
'The news is not all bad though,' Dr Rahman added. 'Many people
disabled by arthritis can be treated. Technological innovations
like assistive devices, and residential and occupational
modifications, should all help to improve the opportunities for
independent living.'
31 October 2005
Further information: Dr Naila Rahman, AIHW,
tel. 02 6244 1057 or 0407 915 851, or Dr Kuldeep Bhatia, AIHW, tel.
02 6244 1144 or 0417 880 300
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel. 61 2 6244 1032.
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications
Catalogue for availability of Arthritis and musculoskeletal
conditions in Australia.