Systemic disconnects in musculoskeletal healthcare across the care continuum

Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of disability, particularly among the elderly. Despite growing awareness, care for these conditions remains episodic and poorly integrated across the care continuum. This is driven by 3 key systemic disconnects: between biomedical and psychosocial care, between reactive and preventive approaches, and between research, practice and policy. These disconnects have led to fragmented, short-term responses, resulting in suboptimal outcomes and missed opportunities for early intervention, functional preservation and long-term independence, especially for the ageing population. Addressing them requires a shift in approach that incorporates psychosocial assessment into routine care, prioritises preventive strategies that build intrinsic capacity, and supports investment in implementation science, capacity building and cross-sector collaboration. Ultimately, musculoskeletal healthcare must be treated as a core element of chronic disease management, integrated within a broader framework that addresses non-communicable diseases rather than treating it in isolation. Moreover, a holistic, person-centred approach is essential—one that integrates preventive care, rehabilitation and social support, backed by policies that promote long-term, coordinated care. This comprehensive approach, which aligns all stakeholders, can help prevent avoidable outcomes, enhance patient autonomy and reduce societal costs.