This book is a report of a WHO scientific working group assigned the task of studying the burden of musculoskeletal conditions for the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010. It describes the magnitude of bone and joint problems in the world and the reasoning for addressing these problems. The book presents the proceedings of a special workshop. The first chapter is a brief summary of the growing population at risk and the economical impact of this disorder on different populations. The world is divided into different regions with one or two representations from each region. I noticed there is no representation for the Arab world in contrast, for example, to 10 of 68 representing the UK!
These experts addressed the different methodological methods used to describe the epidemiological data in their regions, with special stress on the methods used to diagnose each disorder, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporotic spinal disorders, and severe limb trauma. However, the majority of the book is devoted to chapters addressing the various rheumatologic and bone disorders in various conditions with appropriate references.
The book is most useful for those interested in addressing the social and economic burden of these skeletal problems on future national planning. It is well referenced, but in my opinion, the criteria for diagnosing each disorder is not carefully followed in most instances, which makes comparisons invalid. It is a good book for referencing, preventive medicine, health, and economics, but not for individual or personal libraries.