What is the Bone and Joint Decade?
The Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 (BJD) is a global, multi-disciplinary initiative aiming to improve the health-related quality of life for people with musculoskeletal disorders. The initiative provides the umbrella organization by which professional organizations, patient advocacy groups, governments, industry and researchers interested in the musculoskeletal area are partnering.

Our goal:
To improve the health-related quality of life for people with, or at risk of musculo-skeletal disorders throughout the world

Objectives:
1. Raise Awareness of the Growing Burden of Musculo-Skeletal Disorders on Society
2. Empower Patients to participate in decisions concerning their care
3. Promote cost-effective Prevention and Treatment of Muskulo-Skeletal Disorders
4. Advance Understanding of Muskulo-Skeletal Disorders and Improve Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation through Research

Why Has Decade Been Created?
No single professional group or patient organization alone can accomplish the desired improvement for the patient. However, it is not a new organization in itself, rather an umbrella coalition.