The Burden of High‐Energy Musculoskeletal Trauma in High‐Income Countries

Abstract

ADDRESSING THE GAPS: While its impact is large, research on musculoskeletal conditions, including high-energy trauma, is underfunded compared to other fields of medicine. An increased awareness among policy makers and healthcare professionals of the importance of care for the high-energy musculoskeletal trauma patient is critical. Full implementation of trauma systems is imperative, and metrics such as the ICD-DALY have the potential to allow for real-time evaluation of prevention and treatment programs aimed to reduce injury-related morbidity and mortality. The dearth in knowledge in optimal and cost-effective post-acute care for high-energy musculoskeletal trauma is a reason for concern, especially since almost half of the costs are attributed to this phase of care. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams as part of a musculoskeletal trauma system may be of interest to decrease further the long-term negative effects and the economic burden of high-energy musculoskeletal trauma.

The global burden of musculoskeletal injury in low and lower-middle income countries

“…Despite the dearth of epidemiologic data from LMICs, there have been recent reviews published regarding musculoskeletal injuries in high-income countries (HICs). [ 38 , 39 ] A 2018 study evaluated the burden of acute trauma, using road traffic injuries (RTIs) as a surrogate marker. [ 39 ] They reported that there were 255 million DALYs in 2016 in HICs due to road traffic injuries.…”

“…[ 38 , 39 ] A 2018 study evaluated the burden of acute trauma, using road traffic injuries (RTIs) as a surrogate marker. [ 39 ] They reported that there were 255 million DALYs in 2016 in HICs due to road traffic injuries. These data have been used to advocate both for injury prevention and trauma care systems.…”

Characteristics of lower limb injuries in non-fatal road traffic accidents: a retrospective analysis of forensic medical examinations

“…Over the years, road traffic accidents (RTA) remain a constant endemic phenomenon and a heavy economic and medical-social burden for many countries of the world. According to the report of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, 1.35 million fatal RTA were recorded in 2016, which resulted in road traffic injury taking the 8th place among causes of death in the general population and the 1 place -in children and young Given the potentially lost years of life, the socio-economic losses of society due to fatal accidents exceed similar indicators for malignant diseases, heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases [6].…”

Promoting endogenous repair of skeletal muscle using regenerative biomaterials

“…Moreover, soft tissue repair is the most common combat surgical procedure performed by the U.S. Military 5,6 . As a result of musculoskeletal trauma, billions of dollars in health care expenses are spent each year 7,8 …”

“…5,6 As a result of musculoskeletal trauma, billions of dollars in health care expenses are spent each year. 7,8 The current treatment for severe muscle injuries, such as VML, is reconstructive surgery using autologous tissue grafts. Surgeons remove the damaged tissue and graft healthy muscle obtained from a donor site unaffected by the injury.…”