7MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES

Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injury Worldwide, musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to disability. An estimated 1.71 billion people have musculoskeletal conditions, with low back pain being the single leading cause of disability. These numbers are increasing as the population ages. Chronic conditions limit mobility and can lead to early retirement and reduced well-being.[WHO 2021]

The most prevalent lower limb musculoskeletal injury in physically active populations are lateral ankle sprains (LASs).[Gribble 2016, Waterman 2010] They also have a high prevalence in the general population and pose a substantial healthcare burden. Treatment for acute LAS is quite variable, with many patients returning to activity in a short period of time; however, half of the population may never seek initial care.[Gribble 2016] In a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective epidemiological studies lateral ankle sprain was also the most commonly incurred type of ankle sprain based on incidence rate units of athlete exposure, years and hours when compared with medial and syndesmotic ankle sprains. The authors reported an estimated incidence rate of 0.93/1000 athlete-exposures (defined as 1 athlete participating in 1 competition or practice).[Doherty 2014]

Knee injuries can be particularly concerning, especially those affecting the anterior cruciate ligament, as they can cause lengthy absence from normal activities, such as work and physical exercise.[Bahr 2005] Female athletes are at a 2 9 fold increased risk for ACL injury compared with male athletes competing in the same sport. The highest risk sports are soccer, basketball, lacrosse and volleyball.[Vaudreuil 2020] Most patients with acute ACL tears are younger than 30 at the time of their injury.[Friel 2013] ACL injuries increase osteoarthritis risk resulting in early onset osteoarthritis and were associated with pain, functional limitations, and decreased quality of life.[Lohmander 2007]

Tendon disorders are common and lead to significant disability, pain, healthcare cost and lost productivity. A wide range of injury mechanisms exist leading to tendinopathy or tendon rupture.[Kauz 2011, Thomopoulos 2015] Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger), Achilles tendinopathy, and rotator cuff lesions are some of the most common tendinopathies.[Speed 2001] It is interesting to note that more tennis elbows probably result from industrial work, gardening, or carpentry than from sport. Pain and dysfunction are the main symptoms of tendinopathy, while clinical signs such as swelling or thickening of the tendon are variable.[Kaux 2011]

2 MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

There are many disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. Traumeel® has been proven to be effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and, when co-administered with Zeel® T, in osteoarthritis.[Lozada 2017, González de Vega 2013, Schneider 2011]