Mechanisms of pain in arthritis

The Bone and Joint Monitor Project was developed to quantify the global burden of musculoskeletal conditions and develop strategies for their prevention. Experts within the Monitor Project have worked previously with officers at the World Health Organization (WHO) to estimate morbidity and mortality associated with rheumatic conditions. The present collaboration seeks means of providing additional and more current burden data. Objective To develop recommendations for performing epidemiological studies in sample populations with musculoskeletal conditions and problems, accounting for determinants and consequences to the individual and society. Methods Recommendations have been developed identifying the most relevant domains for measuring and monitoring the various musculoskeletal conditions by review of epidemiological data on occurrence, determinants and outcomes, and by expert opinion. Instruments that measure these domains were reviewed.