2010-01-25	Call for Trauma and Orthopaedic Expertise in Aid to Haiti: In the aftermath of the powerful earthquake which struck Haiti and reduced many parts of the impoverished country to rubble last week, the international medical community is joining together and to organise the deployment of supplies and expertise to the devastated island. Please read here for ways the musculoskeletal community can help.
2009-12-08	BJD endorses World Spine Care: The Bone and Joint Decade is pleased to endorse the newly formed World Spine Care, through which the urgent challenge of spinal-related disability in low-income countries will be addressed. The programme, initiated by Prof Scott Haldeman, Researcher, Neurologist and BJD Ambassador, will begin with a pilot programme in Botswana which will include training of health care workers to improve primary contact, secondary contact and tertiary care of spinal conditions, with the ultimate goal of decreasing disability and the associated poverty. For more information, please contact Prof Haldeman at haldemanmd@aol.com
2009-12-07	Engaging Governments in Trauma Care, by Tom Fullan, International Ambassador, Bone and Joint Decade. Global Trauma Care continues to be a challenge in both industrialized and developing countries. The benefits to governments of improving law enforcement as well as emergency medical care include a tremendous reduction suffering and decrease in the cost of care while providing enormous improvements to the wellbeing of a society. Please go to the full document here.
2009-12-04	Delegates bring BJD message to National Embassies in Washington DC: On the occasion of the 2009 World Network Conference, BJD international delegates took the opportunity to visit their country Ambassadors based in Washington DC to discuss musculoskeletal issues relevant in their region. Please click here to read individual country reports of their visit.
2009-12-03	BJD 2009 World Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Meeting  in Washington DC:  Video presentations of the conference are now available online. Please click here to access the video clips and read highlights of the global event.
2009-10-28	WHO & BJD Brings Together Global Trauma Forum to Improve Trauma Care Worldwide:  Please click here for the press release or go directly to the Global Trauma Forum page to read more about the event.
2009-10-21	BJD 2009 World Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Meeting  in Washington DC:  Please click here to read highlights of the conference programme.
2009-10-20	World Osteoporosis Day:  This year the World Osteoporosis Day 'Stand Tall' theme calls on national health departments and medical professionals around the world to view osteoporosis as a health priority. In recognition of the importance of this mission, the Bone and Joint Decade (BJD) has launched the Fragility Fracture Network (FFN), an international organisation. Click here to read more.
2009-10-17	World Trauma Day:  This year on World Trauma Day, new hope is emerging to reduce the shocking number of trauma deaths that occur each year globally. The World Health Organization, with the help of the Bone and Joint Decade,  is bringing together trauma experts for the first Global Forum on Trauma Care to focus global attention on affordable and sustainable improvements in trauma care services which should be applied around the world. Please click here to read more.
2009-10-16	World Spine Day:  One out of every two people suffers from back pain at least once a year, but often, far more frequently. This makes back pain number one reason for days off work on sick leave, and spine experts are seeking to shine the spotlight on this enormous and costly problem. Each year on October 16th people from around the globe join together on the occasion of World Spine Day. Please click here to read more.
2009-10-12	World Arthritis Day:  Every year on October 12th people from around the world join together to raise awareness of arthritis, a disease that affects millions of people, both young and old, globally. This year on the occasion of World Arthritis Day in Europe a high-visibility campaign will be launched at the European Parliament, Brussels, which seeks to generate change in arthritis healthcare policies. Please click here to read more.
2009-10-12	BJD Action Week: This week marks the start of the Bone and Joint Decade Action Week - and event held yearly in October representing a week of global activities aimed at concentrating international attention to the needs and issues of people affected by musculoskeletal disorders. Specific days that are recognised internationally include: • World Arthritis Day: 12 October • World Spine Day: 16 October • World Trauma Day: 17 October • World Osteoporosis Day: 20 October
2009-09-27	BJD Survey of Pain Management for Global Self-help Survey: The BJD is seeking input from a mix of backgrounds and specialities – rheumatologists, primary care physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists and patient support group representatives from around the world about perceptions of self-help techniques to actively manage joint pain. The results of this survey will go towards building an effective education programme which will ultimately empower people to self-manage their musculoskeletal pain. Please click hereto participate in the short survey
2009-08-10	Bone and Joint Decade Global Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Seminar Click here for the programme-at-a-glance.
2009-06-06	Osteoporotic Fracture Line launched at EFORT in response to rising need for osteoporosis expertise globally: The OFL, a non-profit scientific body, was created to bring together experts in a network and thus meet the increasing global need for knowledge about fragility fracture prevention and treatment and osteoporosis management. Please click here to read more.
2009-05-27	The 2009 Bone and Joint Decade Global Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Seminar will be held in Washington DC, USA. Our host is the US BJD. Draft programmes for both segments of the meeting are now available online, please click here for more. Wednesday & Thursday, 21-22 Oct 2009 BJD International Patient Advocacy Seminar Friday & Saturday, 23-24 Oct 2009BJD Global Network Conference
2009-05-27	Arthritis or rheumatism and back or spine problems were the two leading causes of disability reported by adult Americans in 2005, topping a new Report the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released on the prevalence and causes of disability in adults. more
2009-05-25	Professor Maurice E Müller passed away May 10th in Bern, Switzerland. Please click here to read his obituary by Prof Lars Lidgren.
2009-05-19	BJD eLecture: Principles of Health Care Economics. In this BJD eLecture visiting Professor Anthony Woolf (Cornwall UK) at the WHO collaborating Centre for Evidence Based Healthcare in Musculoskeletal Disorders (Lund University Sweden) discusses why it is important to collect information on the cost of health care and how we can use this information to guide health priorities and improve cost-effectiveness. Prof Woolf explores the economical impact of illness on individuals and society and explains the most reliable methods of evaluation. Please click here to access this eLecture.
2009-05-18	The recent ministerial conference Health in Times of Global Economic Crisis (Oslo, Norway, 1-2 April 2009) explored the impact of the global downturn and the major threat it poses on health and health protection systems. Please see the message by WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan at http://www.smartcom.no/who/who_eng_003.htm All other recordings from the conference can be found at: http://www.smartcom.no/who/who_eng_001.htm
2009-05-18	BJD eLecture: Clinical Outcome Assessment in Trials and Cohort Studies. In this BJD eLecture visiting Professor Anthony Woolf (Cornwall UK) at the WHO collaborating Centre for Evidence Based Healthcare in Musculoskeletal Disorders (Lund University Sweden) presents an excellent overview of pain scales, disease progression scales, indices of activities etc. Prof Woolf clears up the confusion of which health assessment tool is best suited to which situation, and concludes with a clear and easy-to-follow recommendation chart of suggested instruments. Please click here to access the lecture.
2009-05-13	Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 IOF-Servier Young Investigator Research Grant. IOF's grant of 40,000 Euro supports young scientists who are carrying out outstanding original research of international relevance in the field of osteoporosis. Click here to read more.
2009-05-13	We are pleased to present The Bone and Joint Decade Video: a short clip about the Decade's mission and how our Network works together to accomplish these goals. Please click here to watch it.
2009-05-01	The WHO has just published the latest WHO Bulletin, and this issue is devoted to Child Injury and Violence, of which road traffic injury is a major concern. We are pleased to take special note of an article describing the urgent need for increased helmet use for children passengers on motorcycles in Viet Nam, and calling for legislation on this issue. The Bulletin can be found at http://www.who.int/bulletin/en/
2009-03-20	WHO World Health Day 2009 with the slogan "Save Lives - Make Hospitals Safe in Emergencies", is set to make a big impact this year. On April 7,World Health Day 2009 will focus on the safety of health facilities and the readiness of health workers who treat those affected by emergencies. Health centres and staff are critical life-lines for vulnerable people in disasters - treating injuries, preventing illnesses and caring for people's health needs. Often, already fragile health systems are unable to keep functioning through a disaster, with immediate and future public health consequences. World Health Day is one of WHO's most visible opportunities to raise awareness of global health priorities. This year, WHO and international partners will underscore the importance of investing in health infrastructure that can withstand hazards and serve people in immediate need. Events around the world will highlight successes, advocate for safe facility design and construction, and build momentum for widespread emergency preparedness - to save lives and improve global health. Please see http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2009/en/index.html for more information, or click here to download a WHO article on World Health Day and here for key messages.
2009-03-20	We're pleased to present the new Patient Brochure "In Spite of Arthritis" discussing disease progression, current trends in joint replacement surgery, artificial joint materials, affect on lifestyle, etc. In this brochure patients will find answers to common questions regarding arthritis, state-of-the-art implant surgery explained in real terms, as well as tips and information about the time period after the surgery. We welcome you to download it here.
2009-01-29	Mark the dates: The 2009 Bone and Joint Decade Global Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Seminar will be held in Washington DC, USA. Our host is the US BJD. The programmes for each segment of the meeting are currently being developed, and will be posted online as soon as they are ready. Registration will start in the Spring, so please check back for updates. Wednesday & Thursday, 21-22 Oct 2009 BJD International Patient Advocacy Seminar Friday & Saturday, 23-24 Oct 2009 BJD Global Network Conference
2009-01-29	The BJD Pune Declaration, signed by all members of the International Steering Committee, was recently approved by our global network. This global statement calls for ongoing surveillance of the burden of musculoskeletal diseases in all countries, along with area-appropriate strategies for prevention, patient education programmes, and the wide dissemination of tools for the identification of those with a high risk of potentially progressive musculoskeletal conditions. Please click here to read more
2009-01-29	Highlights from the 2008 Bone and Joint Decade World Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Seminar held in Pune India are now available online, please click here to read more.
2008-11-14	New Journal Article: Road Traffic Injury Prevention, an update As a progress report following the March 31, 2008 meeting of the United Nations General Assembly — attended by Dr Wahid Al-Kharusi and Dr Marcos E Musafir, members of the BJD International Steering Committee — the BJD has recently published the article Road Traffic Injury Prevention. Click here to access the article, which discusses the UN’s backing of the first-ever Ministerial global conference on road safety, will be held in Moscow next year. The decision by the UN General Assembly marks a major victory for the BJD Global Road Safety and the Make Roads Safe campaigns, which have advocated for such high-level focus on the issue since the start of the Decade.
2008-10-07	New European Report on Chronic Disease The European Union’s Task Force for Major & Chronic Diseases has produced a new report entitled Major and Chronic Diseases Report 2007. Prof Anthony Woolf, BJD Steering Committee member and musculoskeletal expert for the EU Task Force on Major & Chronic Diseases, wrote the chapter on musculoskeletal disease. The extensive report provides detailed information on major and chronic diseases in Europe. It also highlights results of ongoing public health activities and different research projects which are funded by the European Commission. Click here to read more or to download the report.
2008-06-27	Researchers Identify Genes Playing Key Role in Osteoporosis Risk In a ground-breaking genome study, UK researchers leading a team from the Netherlands, Canada and Australia have identified genetic variants which decrease bone mineral density and predispose people to osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture. Screening for these two genes variants, carried by over 20% of the population, can in the future be used alongside known environmental factors to help determine those at risk of osteoporosis. Click here to read more
2008-06-06 2008-06-03	Registration Open: The 2008 Bone and Joint Decade World Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Seminar will be held in Pune, India. Preliminary programmes for each segment of the meeting are now available online and registration is open. Please click here for more details. Friday & Saturday, 28-29 Nov 2008 BJD International Patient Advocacy Seminar Sunday & Monday, 30 Nov-1 Dec 2008 BJD World Network Conference June eLecture: The Do’s and Don'ts in Total Knee Arthroplasty This month we are honoured to be able to share a key lecture from the Swedish Orthopaedic Federation’s Annual Meeting. Dr Leo A. Whiteside, Executive Director of the Missouri Bone & Joint Research Foundation , presents The Do’s and Don’ts in Total Knee Arthroplasty. Dr. Whiteside, an internationally known orthopaedic surgeon, inventor and educator is recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on osteo-integration technology in total knee and hip arthroplasty. Please click here to go to his lecture.
2008-05-31	First UN Summit on Global Road Safety Approved At a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly attended by two BJD ISC members, the UN approved the first ever global conference on road safety, which will focus on reducing the rapidly growing death toll on the world's roads. The UN Conference, with participation at least at Ministerial level, will be held in Moscow next year. The decision by the UN General Assembly marks a major victory for the BJD Global Road Safety and the Make Roads Safe campaigns, which have advocated for such high-level focus on the issue since the start of the Decade. Please click here to read more:
2008-05-23	New Report Predicts Sharp Rise in Road Traffic Injuries by 2030 The latest World Health Statistics 2008 Report predicts that road traffic injuries will be one of the most rapidly growing public health concerns over the next 25 years. Deaths due to road traffic crashes are predicted to rise from 1.3 million in 2004 to 2.4 million by the year 2030 and increase from the 9th cause of death in 2004 to the 5th cause in 2030. To download a free PDF copy of the World Health Statistical report 2008 please go to PDF To read more about the BJD’s Global Road Safety Campaign, please see http://www.bjdonline.org/default.aspx?contId=241
2008-04-30	Orthopaedic Editorial Explains Uptake of Early Detection of Musculoskeletal Disease in Japan In an interesting editorial published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Science, Kozo Nakamura, the President of the Japanese Orthopaedic Society, discusses the rapidly ageing population in Japan, and the government’s response to the subsequent increased call for nursing care – to establish a new fund for scientific research focusing on locomotive ability in the elderly and the research will focus on early detection of any decline in locomotive ability caused by musculoskeletal diseases and on early action to prevent their deterioration, thereby decreasing the need for later nursing care. Click here to read the editorial.
2008-04-21	Winners of the 2008 BJD Award and Scholarships to Support Cartilage Research in OA We are delighted to announce that the 2nd BJD Award for Clinical and Experimental Cartilage Research in Osteoarthritis of 25,000 Euro will go to Prof Thomas Aigner, MD, DSc,University of Leipzig, Germany.
2008-02-21	New Tool Predicts Ten-year risk of Osteoporotic Fracture: Along side and important new report on osteoporosis assessment at the primary health care level, an online practical tool, named FRAXTM, (http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX) has been developed to allow users to predict 10-year risk of fracture in men and women. Click here to read more
2008-02-18	A Milestone for Musculoskeletal Science: A project begun in 2000 at the start of the Decade, the findings of the BJD Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders, published in the journal Spine on February 15, 2008, will have a significant impact on the manner in which neck pain is perceived, treated and studied around the world. Please click here to read more and to access the Executive Summary of the report.
2008-01-30	Mark the dates: The 2008 Bone and Joint Decade World Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Seminar will be held in Pune, India. The programmes for each segment of the meeting are currently being developed, and will be posted online as soon as they are ready. Registration will start in the Spring, so please check back for updates. Friday & Saturday, 28-29 Nov 2008 BJD International Patient Advocacy Seminar Sunday & Monday, 30 Nov-1 Dec 2008 BJD World Network Conference
2008-01-16	January eLecture: Exercise for Musculoskeletal Health This month we are pleased to present Prof KM Chan, Chairman, Dept of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and BJD ISC Member. Prof KM Chan discusses the impact and cost of musculoskeletal disease on a broad scale, and clearly states the urgency for policy-maker, health care practitioners and the public alike to adopt a new mindset which focuses on the prevention of disability through exercise. Click here to view his webcast.
2008-01-15	ARTICULUMis pleased to announce the launch of the 2008 ARTICULUM Fellowship Programme. This year, a number of fellowships of up to €30,000 will be awarded to research fellows to support their research projects in the field of arthritis and pain. The grant will allow selected candidates to travel to the institute/hospital of an internationally-respected research expert in the field of arthritis and pain, where the work will be undertaken. For further information, a list of host institutions and an application form, please visit the ARTICULUM Fellowship web site: www.articulumfellowship.com
2007-12-21	Video coverage and speakers’ presentations from the 2007 Bone and Joint Decade World Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Seminar held in Australia are now available for your educational use, please click here.
2007-12-18	We are extremely proud to announce that the Department of Orthopaedics at Lund University has been designated as a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care in Musculoskeletal Disorders. Please click here to read more
2007-12-18	The Bone and Joint Decade International Video Award was created to recognise innovative and creative short video presentations which deliver messages to the public about musculoskeletal health. In 2007 several videos were entered in the competition, and at the 2007 Annual World Network Conference in Australia, all videos were featured in a special screening for conference delegates. The winner of the 2007 competition was the National Osteoporosis Foundation, USA. Click here to view the winning video.
2007-11-30	BJD ISC Members Awarded for Outstanding Achievement by American College of Rheumatology: At this year’s ACR Annual Meeting, Amye Leong, BJD Spokesperson & Director Strategic Relations was awarded the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals 1st Patient Advocacy Award at the opening ceremonies, and Prof Edward D Harris Jr., member of the BJD International Steering Committee, has been awarded the supreme award from ACR, the prestigious Gold Medal. We congratulate them both for their exceptional accomplishments!
2007-11-13	EFORT Congress Highlights now available online: highlights from the 8th EFORT Congress, held in Florence, Italy from May 11-15 2007 are now available online. Go to http://www.efort.org/e/enewsletter/1007.html for links to exclusive content including: • Junior Reports: Read what 4 young European orthopaedic physicians wrote about fifteen scientific sessions of the 2007 EFORT congress. • Video Presentations: selected oral presentations at the 2007 EFORT Congress. • Congress Media: Watch congress highlights on ‘EFORT-TV’
2007-11-10	Experts in Arthritis: Updates on Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Juvenile Arthritis: Organised in part by the US BJD a free public education seminar for people with arthritis was held at this year’s American College of Rheumatology meeting in Boston. Nearly 150 members of the public gathered to listen to experts in arthritis care speak about current scientific evidence and management strategies in the treatment and care of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. The seminar was held concurrent with the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, the world's foremost gathering of rheumatology health professionals. For more information please see www.usbjd.org or click here to download the programme.
2007-11-02	Famous French Chef Overcomes Rheumatism to Run the NYC Marathon: Click here to read the story of Christian Plumail’s battle against Ankylosing Spondylitis and his personal triumph through running the prestigious marathon.
2007-10-25	Latest Edition of the International Society for Fracture Repair- Osteoporotic Fracture Campaign Newsletter Fracture Campaign Newsletter which features news on interesting developments in the UK, namely the newly launched National Hip Fracture Database and the British Orthopaedic Association and British Geriatrics Society’s Blue Book on the Care of Patients with Fragility Fractures. Newsletter now online. The latest
2007-10-25	BJD Action Week 2007
2007-10-20	Lebanese Singing Star becomes Patron to the Lebanese Osteoporosis Prevention Society and BJD National Action Network: Magida El Roumi, a well-known Lebanese singer, has honored the Lebanese Osteoporosis Prevention Society and the Lebanese National Action Network of the BJD with her acceptance to become their Patron. Ms El Roumi needs no introductions in the Arab world as she is one of the Middle East’s most admired singers, and is also a Goodwill Ambassador to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. She has been a supporter of the Lebanese Osteoporosis Prevention Society (LOPS) for many years and gave a memorable performance at a concert held at the First Pan Arab Osteoporosis Conference in 2000. Ms El Roumi, made her debut appearance as the new Patron at a press conference in Beirut following a weeklong campaign of TV interviews on the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day inn October. Ms El Roumi made a declaration about osteoporosis to the audience and announced the launch of a new nationwide public awareness campaign. Speeches were also made by Prof. Yasser Yaghi, Chairman of the Lebanese NAN, and Prof Ghassan Maalouf, Member BJD International Steering Committee and President of LOPs.
2007-09-01	The Bertelsmann Foundation in Germany has realeased a report in conjunction with its 5 year study Quality Management in Care and Treatment for Back Patients. The study evaluated the current treatment of patients with back pain in Germany and, finding many shortcomings, is suggestind practical solutions for developing, implementing and disseminating preventative approaches and for a comprehensive, coordinated healthcare path. Click here for more information or to read the report.
2007-08-21	The Bone and Joint Decade World Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Seminar 2007 will be held on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. The programmes for each segment of the meeting are now online. Click the titles below to view, or click here for more general information on the event. Daily programmes: Thurs & Fri, 11-12 Oct 2007 BJD International Patient Advocacy Seminar Fri, 12 Oct 2007 BJD-AOA Alf Nachemson Symposium on Back Pain Sat & Sun, 13-14 Oct 2007 BJD World Network Conference
2007-08-20	The BJD to Continue After 2010: Over the coming years the BJD will undergo some changes aimed at laying the foundation for a lasting world-wide Musculoskeletal Forum for Bone and Joint Disorders which will provide a platform for continued progress in the field of musculoskeletal science. Please click here to read this important declaration. The BJD After 2010
2007-08-08	August eLecture: The Impact of Road Safety: Knowledge Sharing and Transfer. This month we are pleased to present Member of the BJD International Steering Committee Dr Wahid Al-Karusi, from Muscat, Oman. Dr Al-Karusi working with the Global Road Safety Commision, discusses the experience gained over the last 30 years in western countries of how to reduce road traffic injuries and protect vulnerable road users, and the value of transfering that knowledge to developing countries which are on the brink of rapid growth. Click here to view his webcast.
2007-08-08	Middle East and North Africa Consensus on Osteoporosis: While individual organisations or countries have previously developed guidelines for osteoporosis care, never before has an entire region joined together to produce diagnostic and treatment guidelines addressing all regional data on bone mineral density, risk factors, and providing simple recommendations applicable to all countries involved -- until now. please click here to read the article from JMNI. The BJD congratulates Prof Ghassan Maalouf, member of the ISC, for his work to bring about this important regional consensus on osteoporosis, encompassing all Middle-Eastern and North African countries. This document was endorsed by leading members from Iran, Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Osteoporosis knows no boundaries, effecting 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men around the world, but some countries, particularly developing countries and the Middle East region have been shown to have a more pronounced prevalence of low bone mass than in western countries, compounding the vast problems associated with the disease. Osteoporosis is one of the BJD's 5 target areas
2007-07-02	Latino American Orthopaedic Association: On the occasion of the Latino American Orthopaedic Association meeting in Rio de Janeiro on the 2nd of July 2007, BJD ISC members Prof Ghassan Maalouf and Prof Marcos Musafir joined Prof Jose Sergio Franco at an honorary event organised by Mrs Angelique Chartouny, enthusiastic supporter of the IOF and the BJD, as well as Honorary Patron to the Brazilian Society of Osteoporosis. Prof Rubem Lederman, Board Member of IOF, attended the occasion, and Prof Musafir presented Mrs Angelique Chartouny with a trophy for her continuous support of the IOF and the BJD. Prof and Mrs Musafir, Mrs Chartouny, Prof Maalouf, with the Presidents of the Latino American Orthopaedic Association and their wives.
2007-06-26	New Online: European Musculoskeletal Review 2007 A publication reviewing the latest developments within the European musculoskeletal field from a scientific, clinical and objective perspective, contributors to European Musculoskeletal Review 2007 are members of the BJD and thought-leaders in musculoskeletal science. The articles included in the review aim to provide readers with an update on current diagnostic and therapeutic options in all the major fields of the musculoskeletal system. To download the full publication, please click here
2007-06-26	Gaining Health: European Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases A publication by the WHO, in part with the collaboration of the BJD. Investing in prevention and improved control of noncommunicable diseases would improve the quality of life and well-being of our entire socieity. 86% of deaths and 77% of disease burden in the European Region are caused by this broad group of disorders, which are linked by common risk factors, underlying determinants and opportunities for intervention. A more equitable share of the benefits from effective interventions would make the greatest impact as well as bring significant health and economic gain to the region. This action-oriented strategy promotes a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackling noncommunicable diseases in the WHO European Region. Click here to download the full publication.
2007-06-26	Hip Fracture Management: We need to do better A new article published in the New Zealand Medical Journal serves to emphasise the increasing problem of hip fractures in the already stretched public healthcare system. Click here for the link and to read Geoffrey Horne’s editorial pointing to the significance of the problem and calling for physicians, under the banner of the Bone and Joint Decade, to step up the crusade.
2007-05-29	BJD to Honour Research in OA The Bone and Joint Decade is delighted to announce the 2nd BJD Award and the 2nd BJD Scholarship for Clinical and Experimental Cartilage Research in Osteoarthritis, sponsored by the International Gelita Health Initiative (GHI). The BJD Award of 25 000 Euros is intended to honour existing achievements of international researchers of scientists working on experimental or clinical cartilage research in osteoarthritis and intends to support documented quality research and ongoing relevant projects. In addition, three BJD Scholarships of 2500 Euros each, will be awarded to support ongoing research, educational activities or research related travel for younger researchers or scientists within the same field. Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2007 and the prize will be awarded in 2008. More information and applications forms can be found here: BJD_AWARD_APPLICATION BJD_SCHOLARSHIP_APPLICATION
2007-05-25	Orthopaedic Surgeon's Initiative: A multiparty initiative of the Internationalhere to read the press release, and here to download this new osteoporosis education kit. Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), the Bone and Joint Decade (BJD)and the International Society for Fracture Repair (ISFR), the Orthopaedic Surgeons Initiative aims to raise osteoporosis awareness amongst orthopaedists and provide clear clinical pathways for fragility fracture patients after the first fracture occurs, in an effort to avoid further fractures. Click
2007-05-08	UK BJD Chair Appointed to National Advocate for the NHS Reforms Highlight the Role of the Patient The UK’s Health Minister has appointed Neil Betteridge, Chairman of ARMA (the UK’s BJD Network), BJD Pals committee member and Chief Executive of Arthritis Care to the role of NHS Patient and Public Champion. In his newly formed position, Mr Betteridge will work with the UK’s 18 Weeks team to improve the UK patient experience and to ensure that patients and the public are aware of the NHS’s recent pledge to reduce waiting times. As the Patient and Public Champion, Mr Betteridge will have an important responsibility understanding and reflecting patient views as policy is implemented across the NHS. He will work closely with the NHS, key stakeholders and patient groups. Health Minister Andy Burnham said: "I'm delighted to appoint Neil Betteridge as Patient and Public Champion. He has an outstanding track record of speaking up for patients and his appointment underlines how we want the NHS transformed into a truly patient-led service." Mr Betteridge said: "I'm thrilled to be asked to take up this important role on behalf of all patients. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for UK patients and the public to help shape the future delivery of health services. As the NHS changes, it is crucial that patients are right at the heart of any improvements. My role will be to keep the target focused on people.”
2007-04-27	Brazilian Parliament Launches Global Road Safety Week This week, declared by the UN as the week of Global Road Safety awareness, Brazilians across the country took notice of the importance of road injury prevention, as the Brazilian Parliament led by the President of the House of Congress Dr Arlindo Chinaglia along with the Ministers of Health, Transportation and Cities, and Senators and Deputies, officially launched the UN awareness week live on Brazilian national television. As a leader in the road safety campaign in Brazil, the BJD Network was also present, represented by Dr Marcos Musafir, ISC member, signifying the musculoskeletal branch of this campaign. At the end of the ceremony, a famous Brazilian rock-n-roll band aired their new videoclip relating their personal drama in a recent road traffic accident.
2007-04-26	1st United Nations Global Road Safety Week April 23-29 2007 marks the 1st United Nations Global Road Safety Week, aimed at improving road safety around the globe, particularly focused on young road users. During the Week, hundreds of national and international initiatives will be organized by governments, foundations and others to promote safer road use. Since its conception, the Bone and Joint Decade has worked tirelessly in partnership with several international organisations to bring prevention of road traffic injuries into the political spotlight. Over the course of the Decade, the BJD and its partners have attended many UN General Assembly Meetings and Stakeholders’ Forums to promote Global Road Safety awareness and solutions. The most recent of these, the 2nd Global Road Safety Stakeholders' Forum, held on 25 April 2007, was attended by BJD ISC Member Dr Wahid Al-Kharusi and Ambassador Fuad Mubarak Al-Hinai of Oman, a member of UN the Global Road Safety Steering Committee. Please click here to go to the full story.
2007-02-20	BJD India Helps Drive Helmet Law After nearly a decade contemplating it, the government of India has made a definitive move to make helmet use for motorcycles and other 2-wheeled vehicles mandatory. This firm move comes as a result of awareness campaigns by several prominent agencies including BJD-NAN-India, the Indian Automobile Association and the Neurological Society of India. Click here for more.
2007-02-09	BJD 2007 International Video Award: An award to recognise the most innovative and creative video presentations produced in member countries which deliver messages to the broad public about musculoskeletal health. All BJD National Action Networks are invited to submit videos produced by the Network or by the national health department or other charity for the purpose of public service and information. During the 2007 Annual World Network Conference in Australia all the videos will be featured in a special screening for conference delegates, who will then act as the jury and cast their vote for the five best. For more details on how to enter, please click here.
2007-02-01	Articulum Medical Student Essay Prize: An essay prize of £500/740 Euros/CAD$1,000 will be awarded to the medical student who writes the finest essay examining a piece of work which has improved his or her understanding of an aspect of the impact of arthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions and how to improve musculoskeletal health. Please click here for more details on how to enter this essay competition. more...
2007-01-18	UK BJD Network Scores Victory by Teaming with Department of Health to Advise Health Services Overhaul The United Kingdom’s new Musculoskeletal Services Framework, which was launched in October 2006, is the Department of Health’s new strategy for the delivery of musculoskeletal health services in the UK. In planning the new Framework, the Department of Health worked closely with ARMA - The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance which is the UK National Action Network for the Bone & Joint Decade, and serves as an umbrella association bringing together all British musculoskeletal groups -- professional, patient and research organisations to further the aims of the BJD in the UK. To read more, or to download the report, please click here
2007-01-04	RA Emerges as Major Burden in Developing Countries In a new study published in the Journal of Rheumatology researchers in Bangkok have found that despite the massive societal costs of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), because RA is seen as a “nonfatal” disease, it does not attract public health interest in developing countries as do diseases such as AIDS, cancer, and coronary heart disease. This may be a mistake in view of the actual burden of RA cases in Thailand, they say. To read more, please click here
2006-12-03	United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons 2006 theme: "eAccessibility": The 2006 International Day of Disabled Persons is focused on accessibility to information technologies. By naming December 3rd “eAccessibility Day”, the UN aims to raise appreciation among governments, industry and the public of the significant benefits to society, the workforce, etc when people with disabilities are empowered with increased access to information technology. To learn more, please see: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/iddp2006.htm
2006-12-01	Articulum Fellowship Programme 2007: In the coming year a number of fellowships of up to Euros 30,000 will be awarded to research fellows to support their research projects in the field of arthritis and pain. Sponsored by Pfizer, the education grant will allow selected candidates to travel to the institute/hospital of an internationally-respected research expert in the field of arthritis and pain, where the work will be undertaken. For further information, a list of host institutions and an application form, please visit the Articulum Fellowship website: articulumfellowship.com
2006-11-27	Orthopaedics in Art: As part of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' (AAOS) participation in the Bone and Joint Decade, the Academy is inviting orthopaedic patients (of all ages) and orthopaedic surgeons to participate in eMotion Pictures - An Exhibition of Orthopaedics in Art. The exhibit seeks to tell the story of musculoskeletal disease through the artistic expression of patients and the physicians who treat them by illustrating emotional facets of the patient/physician partnership and patient-centred care. To learn more about entering your artwork in the exhibit, please click here. The 2nd in a series, this rendering will be featured in The AAOS 75th Anniversary Celebration Travelling Art Exhibit, Film, Book and Online Museum. The first eMotion Pictures in 2002 was exhibited at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. for more details, please click here
2006-11-24	The Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010: How Far Have We Come? An update on the BJD at the second half of the Decade, by Dr Karsten E Dreinhöfer, Director of Development, International Steering Committee, the Bone and Joint Decade. Click here Dr Dreinhöfer’s article appears in European Musculoskeletal Review 2006 – a publication reviewing the latest developments within the European musculoskeletal field from a scientific, clinical and objective perspective. Contributors to European Musculoskeletal Review 2006 are thought-leaders in European musculoskeletal science and their articles aim to provide readers with an update on current diagnostic and therapeutic options in all the major fields of the musculoskeletal system. To download the full publication, please click here to download.
2006-11-21	World Health Organization elects Dr Margaret Chan as new Director-General On 9 November 2006, Dr Margaret Chan of China was elected WHO Director-General by the World Health Asembly. Dr Chan replaces Dr LEE Jong-wook, who died in May this year. She will assume office in January 2007. For more information, please see WHO.
2006-10-20	October 20: World Osteoporosis Day World Osteoporosis Day 2006 is the launch day for the “Year of Bone Nutrition” – highlighting the vital link between good nutrition and strong bones. In recognition of this, the International Osteoporosis Foundation has released a new report entitled "Bone Appétit: The role of food and good nutrition in building and maintaining strong bones". Please see Action Week 2006 for the full story.
2006-10-19	Osteoporosis reimbursement in France: The French Minister of Health, Mr Xavier Bertrand, has recently signed legislation to provide reimbursement for osteoporosis drugs to prevent fragility fractures in persons at risk. The French national health insurance will now cover pharmacological treatment not only in patients who have already suffered a fracture, but also in those showing diminished bone density. This move follows on from the Health Minister’s signing of legislation in July to cover the costs of DEXA scans (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scan used to assess bone density to diagnose osteoporosis) in patients suspected of having diminished bone density, which in France is estimated at 6 million people – some 10% of the population – who will benefit from this ground-breaking legislation. For more information please see http://www.sante.gouv.fr/htm/actu/31_061019d.htm or email Prof Pr. Liana Euller-Ziegler, BJD Steering Committee Member euller-ziegler.l@chu-nice.fr
2006-10-17	October 17: World Trauma Day The real human suffering for victims and their families of road trauma is incalculable. The fatality figures themselves seem almost surreal: globally, nearly 1.5 million people die on the roads – that is one person every 30 seconds – and about 50 million more are injured in traffic crashes each year. In low-income countries the average is twice the world average, and sadly, pedestrian injury accounts for 50 percent of this. Clearly, something must be done, and since its induction the Bone and Joint Decade amongst others, has worked tirelessly with the World Health Organisation and the United Nations to tackle the root causes of road trauma. World Trauma Day provides the opportunity to remember victims and act in favour of policy change. Click here for more on World Trauma Day and to access the WHO Report on Road Safety.
2006-10-16	October 16: World Spine Day "Straighten Up" Events Backbone of World Spine Day: Today, on World Spine Day, which features "Straighten Up" as its theme, health care practitioners around the world are taking advantage of this unique spotlight on the spine to promote spinal health, posture and stabilisation in collaboration with the Bone and Joint Decade. Click here to read more.
2006-10-12	October 12: World Arthritis Day Every year on October 12th people from around the world join together to raise awareness of arthritis, a disease that affects millions of people, both young and old, globally. This year World Arthritis Day spotlights the benefits of exercise for people with arthritis with a campaign theme of ‘Take Action!’ Please go to www.worldarthritisday.org , organised by PARE Manifesto, to find out more about World Arthritis Day events near you.
2006-10-12	Bone & Joint Decade Action Week 2006 Worldwide Events Shine Spotlight on Musculoskeletal Health: October 12th - 20th marks the sixth annual Bone and Joint Decade Action Week, dedicating specific days to major conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, with activities planned in countries around the world aimed at highlighting the severe impact of these disorders on millions of children, adults and elderly people worldwide. Click here for a sampling of events around the globe or to read the press release.
2006-10-11	Reimbursement of Osteoporosis Therapy in France: Congratulations to the French network which has worked tirelessly to champion the need for reimbursement of osteoporosis drug therapy before the first fracture, as opposed to after, in osteoporosis patients. Their work was rewarded and this development was published on October 11, 2006 in the Journal Officiel. Preventing the first fracture is a key area of BJD and IOF policy work. This follows strides in securing reimbursement for bone density scans earlier this year in France. For more information please contact Prof Liana Euller-Ziegler, Service de Rhumatologie, CHU, Nice, France. euller-ziegler.l@chu-nice.fr
2006-10-10	2006 BJD World Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Seminar in South Africa Please click here for more information, dates and links for this year’s World Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Meeting, or to download agendas.
2006-10-10	Major Chronic Diseases Gain Research Boost in Sweden In a new Swedish National Research Programme, Chronic Inflammation, six organisations have aligned themselves to combat chronic inflammatory diseases. And in a groundbreaking move, for the first time ever a patient organisation is involved in this cooperation. The network will band their research to develop new methods of treatment. Chronic inflammatory diseases are growing in significance: one out of every six Swedes suffers from one or more forms which include rheumatic diseases and psoriasis. Click here for the full story.
2006-10-04	To read the third newsletter of the ISFR Osteoporotic Fracture Campaign please click here.
2006-09-22	September eLecture: Orthopaedics & Trauma Care in Ethiopia - a Volunteer's Perspective. This month we are pleased to present World Orthopaedic Concern volunteer Dr Scott Innes who recounts his time at the Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dr Innes discusses the challenges and triumphs of teaching local physicians with limited resources, and details several difficult cases encountered in the centre, particularly from rare infections and road traffic injury. Click here to view his webcast.
2006-09-18	The BJD Australian Network has developed three unique Community Service Announcements for use on national radio about living with musculoskeletal disease which use humour as a basis to speak to young people. Please click here to listen to this entertaining approach to spreading the BJD’s message.
2006-09-15	The German Network has launched a new website detailing German BJD Activities and resources. Please click here to visit it
2006-09-11	Press Release: UN Agrees New Treaty to Improve Rights of People with Disabilities. The United Nations General Assembly has agreed on a new treaty which will give strengthened rights to the 650 million people with disabilities around the world. The treaty is set to be adopted by the General Assembly during its 61st Session in September, 2006. Click here to read more.
2006-07-24	Summer BJD eLecture: The Importance of the Vertebral Fracture. As part of our monthly eLecture series, we're pleased to present Prof Ghassan Maalouf, from Saint Georges Hospital, Faculty of Medicine at Balamand University in Beruit, Lebanon, discussing the frequently overlooked issue of osteoporosis and the vertebral fracture. Click here to view his eLecture.
2006-07-01	Press Release: Dr Ghassan Maalouf, BJD International Steering Committee Member from Lebanon, has been awarded the prestigious International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) President’s Award for his vigorous and significant efforts to bring together members of patient societies, scientists and politicians in the fight against osteoporosis. Click here .
2006-05-25	BJD Award and Scholarships to Support Cartilage Research in OA. We are excited to announce this year's BJD Award for Clinical and Experimental Cartilage Research in Osteoarthritis of 25,000Euro will go to Prof Stefan Lohmander, Sweden. In addtion, the BJD Scholarships for 2006 of 2500 Euro each will go to Martin Englund, USA and Richard H Osborne, Australia. The official Award Ceremony will be held during the BJD World Network Conference in Durban South Africa 4-6 November 2006. Click here for further details.
2006-05-24	May BJD eLecture: Management Strategies for Chronic Pain. As part of our monthly eLecture series, we're pleased to present Prof Angela Mailis-Gagnon MD, MSc, Director Comprehensive Pain Programme, Dept of Medicine, University of Tornoto, discussing the latest thinking onthe management of Chronic Pain. Click here to view her eLecture.
2006-05-07	News: UN Endorses Global Road Safety Week 2007. Click here .
2006-04-24	Press Release: Researchers Identify Gene Causing FOP. Click here .
2006-02-28	March BJD eLecture: Bone Cement in Total Hip Arthroplasty. As part of our monthly eLecture series, we're pleased to present Dr Jian-Sheng Wang from the Departments of Orthopaedics and of Biomechanics at Lund University in Sweden, discussing best practices in ensuring the efficacy of bone cement in total hip replacement surgery. Click here to view his eLecture.
2006-02-03	BJD Faculty Recommended Reading List: February's 'Must-Read' list of the top picks in the current literature is now online.
2006-01-25	January BJD eLecture: Treatment for the Degenerative Lumbar Spine. As part of our monthly eLecture series, we're pleased to present Prof Dieter Grob, Chief of the Department of Spinal Surgery at the Schulthess Spine Centre in Zürich, Switzerland, discussing the current approaches to treating a degenerative lumbar spine. Click here to view his eLecture.
2005-12-31	BJD International Steering Committee member Musafir, from Brazil’s University of Rio de Janeiro, has been awarded an international prize for his work with road safety awareness. Last month at the 4th International Festival for Road Safety Campaigns in Tunis, Tunisia international experts from public and private institutions around the world came together to discuss major communication issues pertaining to road traffic safety. The most innovative ideas and campaigns related to road safety were honoured with a prize. Amongst them was Prof Musafir, awarded for an on-going movement in Brazil which features compelling flyers, posters and public awareness events. The conference was the result of a collaboration between the International Road Safety (PRI) group, the Arab Road Safety Organisation (AROSO)m and the Tunisian Road Safety Association (ATPR), which have engaged in a partnership dedicated to promoting road safety globally. For more information, please see http://www.tunisia2005.org and http://www.lapri.org
2005-10-31	The BJD Ambassador programme honours outstanding service and achievement by global leaders in the musculoskeletal community. New BJD Ambassadors for 2005 are: Mrs Randa Assi Berri, President of the Lebanese Welfare Association for the Handicapped, Lebanon Prof Dinesh Mohan, Coordinator, Head of the Transportation Research & Injury Prevention Programme, WHO Collaborating Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, India Dr Marko Pecina, Professor of Orthopaedics, Croatia Prof Johannes Jacobus Rasker, Emeritus Professor, Rheumatology, TwenteUniversity, The Netherlands Dr Cyril Toma, Deputy Head, Musculoskeletal Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria and Chief Medical Officer, Prince Court Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Prof James Wadell, Chairman of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine Canada The complete list of BJD Ambassadors is available here
2005-10-31	The BJD Award recognises National Networks which conduct exceptional campaigns in the areas of public awareness, patient education, professional education, or advocacy. This year the Japanese Network developed a very unique awareness campaign which harnesses the power of popular culture -- Manga, or Japanese Comics -- to deliver the message of bone and joint health to the younger generation.
2005-10-31	The 2005 World Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Meeting was held in Ottawa, Canada from 24-28 October 2005 with more than 200 participants from 50 countries around the globe. A full wrap-up, speakers' presentations and video lectures are availble online.
2005-10-12	World Arthritis Day 2005
2005-09-30	The BJD 2005 Annual Report has now been published.
2005-06-07	Exclusive Highlights and Video Lectures from the 7th EFORT Congress in Lisbon, Portugal from 4-7 June 2005 by BJD Volunteer Medical REporters is now online.
2005-03-25	The ARTICULUM Fellowship provides opportunities for young Fellows with an interest in arthritis and pain to conduct a research project. The research project will be undertaken at the facility of an ARTICULUM member. The Fellowships will provide funding of up to US $30,000 to support a Fellow to undertake a research project for up to 12 months. Read more …
2005-02-08	The ARTICULUM Medical Student Prize, valued at £500, will be awarded for what is judged to be the best essay written by a medical student that gives an account of a piece of work that has given them a better understanding of an aspect of the impact of arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions and how to improve musculoskeletal health.
2004-11-25	The UK BJD has developed the ARMA Standard of care for Back Pain, Inflammatory Arthritis and Osteoarthritis and they are all available on the ARMA website
2004-11-24	European Action towards Better Musculoskeletal Health has now been published.
2004-11-18	Highlights from the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Annual World Network Conference 2004 in Beijing, China

2004-11-11 A German Blue Book on Osteoporotic Fractures, called Weissbuch was released at the Annual Conference of the German Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeons on October 20-23, 2004 in Berlin. Read more...

2004-10-28 "Osteoporosis in Men," a report by Ego Seeman, professor of medicine at University of Melbourne, IOF International Board member and editor of Progress in Osteoporosis. More information and report

2004-05-03 The UN General Assembly plenary session passes resolution, April 14, 2004

UN press release: General assembly invites world health organization to act as coordinator on road safety issues within UN system

2004-04-19 UN press release: Road safety requires commitment at highest leadership levels, Deputy-Secretary-General tells General Assembly

WHO press release: UN General Assembly plenary session focuses on road safety for the first time in history

Webcast from UN General Assembly: 84th plenary meeting:
Global road safety crisis

2004-04-19 Press release: Bone and Joint Decade promotes safety on the world's roads through World Health Day 2004 activities

2004-02-23 World Health Day, April 7, 2004: Momentum is gaining in the U.S. and around the globe for World Health Day activities on April 7th and throughout the year. Current plans include a worldwide launch by French President Jacques Chirac in Paris. U.S. Secretaries of Transportation and Health, Tommy Thompson and Norman Mineta, will participate in events in Washington, D.C. Around the world, hundreds of schools, communities, and businesses plan to hold events and fairs to promote road safety. The World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention will be released as part of the World Health Day activities.

UN General Assembly Meeting April 14, 2004: On April 14, 2004, the United Nations is holding a General Assembly Meeting to promote Global Road Safety awareness and solutions. This will be the first time that the UN General Assembly has ever devoted a special session to this topic. This meeting represents the culmination of 4 years of effort by Dr. Bruce Browner and Dr. Wahid Al-Kharusi of the Bone and Joint Decade International Steering Committee to bring this topic to the UN. Secretary General Kofi Annan and the President of the General Assembly are expected to speak and to draw attention to the growing crisis of road traffic injuries, particularly in developing countries. The heads of WHO, UNICEF, UNDP and the World Bank are expected to call for action in a number of spheres to reduce the global toll of road traffic injuries. The General Assembly will likely endorse the World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention, and may call for a voluntary UN Road Safety Charter for governments, NGOs, civil society, multilaterals and the private sector and a UN meeting in 2005 that brings together ministers of health, transportation, and law enforcement, to formally adopt the Charter, and facilitate the development of country plans for road safety.

UN Stakeholder Forum April 15th, 2004: The Stakeholders' Forum on Global Road Safety is structured to mobilize action for road safety and includes key players who are expected to take a lead role in global road safety solutions. Speakers will link road safety to sustainable development, present the World Report conclusions, and discuss steps in the development of a Global Road Safety Charter. There will be lively moderated interactive panel discussions to focus on mobilizing stakeholders from governments and public authorities, NGOs, civil society, the private sector, multilateral agencies, and field level technical assistance.

2004-02-17 A new report, Osteoporosis in the European Community: Action Plan, was presented on November 12, 2003 at the European Parliament. This report outlines the six key steps necessary to prevent fragility fractures that result from osteoporosis: Osteoporosis in the European Community: Action Plan

2004-01-12 The post office of the Vatican has issued an "aerogramme" with the logo of the BJD. It is a special edition with a first day (prima die) annulment. This achievement has been obtained by the Italian NAN with the great help of Prof Giovanni Minisola, director of the Health Services of the Vatican. 35000 aerogrammes have been put on the market and will travel all around the world from Vatican City.

2003-11-17 The Annual World Network Conference took place in Berlin, Germany, October 30–November 2, 2003. Participants from 48 countries, members of the BJD International Steering Committee and 20 patient representatives attended the meeting. The participation from the German health minister, the WHO and the Bertelsmann Foundation were appreciated. The local hosts for the meeting were Prof Wolfhart Puhl, German NAN Coordinator, and Dr Karsten Dreinhöfer, BJD Director of Development.

The theme for the meeting was "Nations in Motion—Bridging Opportunities." There was a focus during the meeting on workshops and discussions on building coalitions, changing priorities, communications strategies, and an updated BJD strategy.

After the opening ceremony, all participants attended the Nordic Walk in
central Berlin.

2003-10-27 Press release: Urgent need to address the impact of musculoskeletal conditions. WHO report reveals the true extent of musculoskeletal disease and the impact that these conditions have on society.

•Bone and Joint Decade press release

•World Health Organization press release

Photos from the launch in Lund, Sweden, 2003-10-27, showing Prof. Göran Bexell, LundUniversity and Dr Nikolaï Khaltaev, WHO. The group photo shows, from left to right, Prof. Anthony Woolf, Prof. Lars Lidgren, Dr Kristina Åkesson, Ms Mona Korths Nordén, Prof. Göran Bexell, Prof. Bruce Pfleger and Dr Nikolaï Khaltaev.

2003-10-14 Orthopaedic surgeons are failing to prevent osteoporotic fractures. A multinational study of orthopaedic surgeons has found that in as much as 95 per cent of cases, orthopaedists fail to investigate osteoporosis as a cause of the fracture and are inconsistent in offering specific treatment or referrals. Read more...

2003-10-14 A number of publications related to the Bone and Joint Decade and musculoskeletal disorders have been published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization.

2003-10-09 A major highlight of the Bone and Joint Decade Action Week, 12–17th October, will be a 24-hour series of global eLectures presenting the latest research by recognised international specialists in the field of musculoskeletal disorders. Read more...

2003-10-06 A new Unified Research Agenda from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, the Council of Musculoskeletal Specialty Societies, and the Orthopaedic Research has been released on priority areas recognized for their heavy burden to society and their alignment with the priorities of the Bone and Joint Decade. Article: AAOS introduces new Unified Research Agenda

2003-06-17 Presentations from the BJD-EFORT osteoporosis meeting in Helsinki, Finland,

1. Opening remarks, Prof. Angus Wallace, British Orthopaedic Association

2. International Osteoporosis Survey aggregated findings, Dr Karsten Dreinhöfer

3. Country differences and practical consequences/planned actions:

France, Prof. Jean-Marc Féron, SOFCOT

Germany, Dr. Robert Hube, DGOOC

Italy, Prof. Umberto Tarantino, SIOT

Spain, Prof. Antonio Herrera, SECOT

UK, Prof. Hamish Simpson, BOA

4. WOOO Recommendations for Care of the Osteoporotic Fracture Patient, Prof. Olof Johnell, IOF

2003-03-24 Injuries in South-East Asia Region—Priorities for Policy and Action (1.3 MB PDF document) report from the South-East Asia Regional Office of the World Health Organization.

2003-02-17 Prof. Lars Lidgren, Chairman, International Steering Committee, the Bone and Joint Decade, received an AmericanAcademy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) honorary membership on February 7 at the 2003 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. This membership is one of the highest honors the AAOS can bestow on a non-member.

2002-12-18 Amye L. Leong, Bone and Joint Decade spokesperson, was selected as a 2001 President's Community Volunteer Award winner. Please see the press release.

2002-12-16 Dr Stuart L. Weinstein, Chair, USBJD, applauds TIME Magazine on behalf of the Bone and Joint Decade: "The United States Bone and Joint Decade applauds Time on your coverage of the burden of arthritis on our society, and for bringing such a critical health care issue to the forefront for discussion. This timely article follows on the heels of the March 2002 Declaration by President Bush of the years 2002-2011 as the National Bone and Joint Decade."

2002-10-07 The Annual Coordinators meeting took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 12–13 September 2002, followed by an International Lecture Symposium on 14 September. Participants from 38 countries, members of the International Steering Committee and 16 patient representatives attended the meeting. All NAN coordinators signed the Global Declaration that affirms our united commitment and action to the BJD mission.

2002-06-17 WHO Press release: Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director General of WHO, addresses the high importance of actions required to reduce injuries.

2002-04-04 National Bone and Joint Decade Proclamation issued by President Bush.

2001-11-20 The Australian NAN has provided the BJD office with two extensive reports:

1.The Prevalence, Cost and Disease Burden of Arthritis in Australia by the Arthritis Foundation of Australia

2.The Burden of Brittle Bones: Costing Osteoporosis in Australia by Osteoporosis Australia

2001-11-20 The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) will hold a call to action in the press room of the European Parliament on 2001-12-04 in an effort to return osteoporosis to the political agenda. Key findings of a new audit that the IOF is conducting will be presented and the formation of a European Parliament osteoporosis interest group will be announced. More information on the IOF website.

2001-10-29 Executive Summary of "The Global Economic and Healthcare Burden of Musculoskeletal Disease" has been approved by the WHO and the BJD International Steering Committee.

2000-11-27 The Annual Bone and Joint Decade National Action Network Meeting (photo) was opened on the 27th of November 2000 in the Al Bustan Palace Hotel by His Excellency Ali Mohamed Moosa, the Minister of Health, Sultanate of Oman.

2000-06-07 President Clinton's supporting letter of the BJD