Abstract
The burden of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue poses a significant public health challenge in the United States. Musculoskeletal diseases and connective tissue diseases independently contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates. This study seeks to investigate mortality trends associated with the simultaneous occurrence of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue among the US population over the period from 1999 to 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research was used to identify the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue-related deaths that occurred within the United States from 1999 to 2020. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were calculated, as well as annual percent change and weighted average annual percent change with 95% confidence intervals for the AAMRs. The Joinpoint Regression Program was used to determine trends in mortality within the study period. Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to determine annual percentage changes and assess statistical significance (P < .05). From 1999 to 2020, female patients demonstrated greater mortality rates from the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue compared with males. When stratified by race and ethnicity, Black patients had the highest AAMR over the study period at 9.50 per 100,000 people in 1999. Additionally, AAMRs were consistently higher in rural areas compared with urban locations. By age group, patients aged 85+ years had the highest overall crude mortality rate at 91.20 per 100,000 people in 1999, with the lowest rate in ages 25 to 34 years at 0.70 per 100,000 people in 1999. This study expands upon previously reported trends in musculoskeletal system and connective tissue-related mortality, highlighting epidemiological differences in musculoskeletal system and connective tissue-related death. Significant disparities in mortality rates were noted in older-aged, female, Black, and rural patients. Targeted public health strategies concerning the unique needs of these diverse populations will be essential in improving mortality rates.