Recent advances: Rheumatology

The health consequences and fiscal burden of musculoskeletal diseases has been acknowledged but never fully addressed.An agenda unveiled by the World Health Organization to redress the balance sets specific goals for the next 10 years (the bone and joint decade).These include a 25% reduction in the expected increase in morbidity from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. MethodsWe have reviewed advances in rheumatology that can be easily integrated into routine clinical practice and highlighted areas where appropriate treatment has been shown to prevent later disability or morbidity.References are supplied for published trials and systematic reviews.