Conditions that affect the bones, muscles and joints are known as musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions include long-term (chronic) conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, back problems, gout, and osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone density).
This report is regularly updated with data from a range of sources. There are differences in the source year and frequency of publication. For more information, see notes.
- Cat. no: PHE 317
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The musculoskeletal conditions disease group was the leading contributor to non-fatal burden (23.1% of YLD), in 2023
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Private hospital (38%) portion of musculoskeletal spending was more than double the average in 2020–21
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Musculoskeletal conditions contributed to 9,277 deaths in 2021, or 5.4% of all deaths – largely as associated causes
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18,500 to 30,100 Australians aged 0–24 are living with arthritis