Global, regional and national burden of osteoarthritis in 1990-2021: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study 2021.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the prevalence and incidence of osteoarthritis as well as years lived with disability (YLDs) due to osteoarthritis in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021 by age, sex and socio-demographic index (SDI, a composite of socio-demographic factors).

METHODS

Data were acquired from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021 (GBD 2021). The burden of osteoarthritis was estimated for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021by incidence, prevalence and YLDs. All estimates are presented as numbers and age-standardised rates per 100 000 population, with uncertainty intervals (UIs). All the data were analyzed by age-sex-SDI-year groups.

RESULTS

In 2021, globally, the age-standardised prevalence rate of osteoarthritis increased from 6393.1(95% UI 5683.2 to 7059.5) in 1990 to 6967.3(95% UI 6180.7 to 7686.1) in 2021.Addtionally, the age-standardised incidence rate increased from 489.8(95% UI 541.5 to 433.1) in 1990 to 535.0(95% UI 472.4 to 592.0) in 2021. In addition, the age-standardised YLD rate of osteoarthritis increased from 222.8(95% UI 106.7 to 450.3) in 1990 to 244.5(95% UI 117.1 to 493.1). The global prevalence and YLDs were higher in females than in males and increased with age, peaking at the > 95 years age group. Simultaneously, a positive association was found between the age-standardised YLD rate and the SDI at the regional and national levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoarthritis is a major public health challenge that can cause significant problems for individuals and society. The burden osteoarthritis increased in most countries between 1990 and 2021. This trend is expected to continue as life expectancy increases and the global population ages. Increasing public awareness of the risk factors and the importance of osteoarthritis management, along with providing healthcare services to the growing number of people with osteoarthritis, are recommended to manage the future burden of this disease.