Surgical Burden of Musculoskeletal Conditions in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Abstract

The burden of musculoskeletal conditions is growing worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), the burden cannot be fully estimated, due to paucity of credible data. Further, no attempt has been made so far to estimate surgical burden of musculoskeletal conditions. This is a difficult task and accurate estimation of what would constitute surgical burden out of the total musculoskeletal burden in LMIC is not possible, due to number of constraints. This review looks at current understanding of the musculoskeletal conditions, that can be measured in LMIC and the limitations based on previous studies and past global burden of diseases estimates. An attempt has been made to identify major conditions where a range of surgical burden can be predicted. We conclude that there is huge scope for improvement in the current surveillance mechanism of surgical procedures undertaken for musculoskeletal conditions in LMIC so that the surgical burden can be more accurately predicted. Unless this burden can be highlighted, the attention to these conditions in LMIC will be limited.