The impact of population ageing on musculoskeletal disorders in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2021: global burden and healthcare costs
Authors' conclusion
Over the past 3 decades, the global burden of MSK disorders attributed to population ageing has consistently increased.
Study context
- Population
- 204 countries and territories, 1990–2021, stratified by region, sociodemographic index (SDI), sex and major musculoskeletal (MSK) subcategories204 countries and territories
- Outcome
- Global burden (incident cases, prevalent cases, DALYs) and healthcare costs of MSK disorders attributed to population ageing
- Follow-up
- 1990–2021
Methodological detailsextrapolation approach for healthcare costs, 204 countries and territories, 1990–2021
- Extrapolation approach for healthcare costs
- 204 countries and territories
- 1990–2021
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Countries where population ageing was the largest contributor to increases
Incident cases: share of countries and territories
33.3%
Prevalent cases: share of countries and territories
37.7%
Disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs): share of countries and territories
35.8%
Further findings
Sex differences
- Males more affected by ageing globally, particularly in high and high-middle SDI countries; females more impacted in low-to-middle SDI countries
MSK subcategories
- OA most influenced by ageing globally, followed by gout and RA
Global healthcare costs for MSK disorders attributed to population ageing · 2021
- Cost contributed by population ageing
- US$96.0 billion
- Equivalent share of global gross domestic product
- 0.10%
Original publication
The impact of population ageing on musculoskeletal disorders in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2021: global burden and healthcare costs. Ann Rheum Dis. Published 16 September 2025. doi:10.
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