Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the current status and trends in the burden of musculoskeletal diseases in China from 1990 to 2023, providing evidence-based support for formulating and optimizing prevention and control strategies for musculoskeletal diseases in China. METHODS: Based on the 2023 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study database, the study integrated incidence, prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized rates of musculoskeletal diseases in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2023, stratified by gender and age. The proportional contribution to all-cause prevalence was calculated, and regression models were constructed using Joinpoint software to assess temporal trends. RESULTS: In 2023, the five major musculoskeletal diseases collectively accounted for approximately 25.0% of all-cause prevalence in China. Among these, osteoarthritis contributed the most (11.68%), followed by low back pain (6.89%) and neck pain (3.52%). Gout (1.28%) and rheumatoid arthritis (0.36%) had relatively lower contributions. From 1990 to 2023, the overall burden of the five major musculoskeletal diseases remained substantial, with heterogeneous temporal patterns across diseases. Stratified by age and gender, the five diseases exhibited low levels during childhood and adolescence, increased significantly in middle and older adulthood, and peaked in the elderly. Except for gout, the burden of the other four diseases was higher in females than in males across most age groups. The scale of each disease varied considerably. Osteoarthritis showed the most significant increase in prevalence, with prevalent cases increasing from 53.7668 million to 161.7424 million, and the age-standardized DALYs rate rising by 16.19%. Gout showed the fastest growth in disease burden, with age-standardized DALYs rates rising from 19.88/100 000 to 25.14/100 000 (a 26.46% increase). Although low back pain showed a decline, it remained a major source of disability over the long term, with the age-standardized DALYs rate decreasing from 740.83/100 000 to 551.92/100 000 (a 25.49% decrease). Neck pain remained generally stable with a age-standardized DALYs rate increase of 1.18%. The age-standardized incidence rate of rheumatoid arthritis increased by 19.41%, and the age-standardized DALYs rate decreased by 8.38%. CONCLUSION: Over the past 30 years, the burden of musculoskeletal diseases in China has shown a persistent upward trend with significant gender and age disparities. Future prevention and control strategies should place greater emphasis on early identification and proactive interventions, advocating for more targeted comprehensive measures for high-risk populations. Concurrently, efforts must be made to enhance standardized diagnosis and treatment capabilities at the primary care level, alongside strengthening continuous rehabilitation management.