Why Join the Bone and Joint Alliance Council?
 Bone and Joint Alliance Membership Program
The United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI) was established in 2002 as a multi-disciplinary initiative targeting the care of people with musculoskeletal conditions (bone and joint disorders) including arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis, broken bones, trauma, back pain and other spinal disorders, hip, knee and foot pain, cerebral palsy, and congenital problems like clubfoot.
The impact of bone and joint disorders in the United States is vast:
- they account for an estimated $950 billion in health care costs annually
- they are a leading cause of disability, accounting for more than 130 million patient visits to healthcare providers annually and affect nearly one in two Americans over the age of 18
- joint diseases account for half of all chronic conditions in the elderly
- 40% of all women over the age of 50 years are expected to suffer at least one osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime
Overall, USBJI is committed to making an impact on musculoskeletal conditions in the United States by:
- raising awareness through our educational initiatives and other key initiatives on the increasing societal impact of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders
- empowering patients with musculoskeletal conditions to participate in decisions about their care and treatment
- continually seeking and promoting cost-effective prevention and treatment interventions for musculoskeletal injuries and disorders
- serving as a convening body for public, private, and non-profit organizations to speak with one voice and execute initiatives that support better patient care for those with joint and bone disorders
Key USBJI initiatives and programs include:
- Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the US (BMUS): this report illustrates the impact of musculoskeletal diseases in the US, including societal and economic cost
- Project 100 MSK: this initiative is raising the level of training that all graduating medical students receive in musculoskeletal health
- Young Investigator Award: a grant mentoring and career development program designed to increase the pipeline of clinician and basic scientists undertaking musculoskeletal research
- Experts in Arthritis: a public education program for people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis and people who care about them
- Fit to a T: a public education program on fracture prevention, bone health and osteoporosis education
- Protect Your Bones and Joints (PB&J): an educational program aimed at improving knowledge of teens and young adults about musculoskeletal disorders and to encourage them to learn about prevention
- Bone and Joint Action Week: held annually each year from October 12-20 with activities focused on disorders including arthritis, back pain, trauma, pediatric conditions, and osteoporosis
USBJI includes a variety of public and private sector stakeholders (including industry, non-profit medical and patient societies, and individuals) working together to make an impact on bone and joint disease. Organizations can be a part of the USBJI through the USBJI Bone and Joint Alliance, which enables its members to work together to raise the priority of musculoskeletal health with patients, policymakers, payors, federal and state governments, and health systems.
All members of the USBJI Bone and Joint Alliance have an ability to name a representative to serve and participate on the USBJI Bone and Joint Alliance Council.
For more information or to inquire about becoming a private sector member, please see our alliance page or contact USBJI at [email protected].
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