Prevalence of selected musculoskeletal conditions in Germany

The term musculoskeletal condition (MSKC) comprises inflammatory and degenerative diseases of joints and bones. They are among the most common conditions in older age and cause of severe long-term pain, physical disability, and decrease in quality of life. Data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1) were used to estimate the life-time prevalence of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis in Germany. A total of 7,988 persons aged 18–79 years (osteoporosis 50–79 years) were asked to report doctor-diagnosed MSKC in face-to-face interviews. Women were more likely to report all MSKC and all prevalences increase with age. Osteoarthritis is reported by 22.3% of women and 18.1% of men, RA by 3.2% of women and 1.9% of men, and osteoporosis by 13.1% of women and 3.2% of men. MSKC are of great relevance for older adults in Germany. Data from DEGS1 provide a lot of information along to MSKC and hereby allow a closer description of the health situation of older adults