United States Bone and Joint Initiative

The United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI) was a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. It served as the U.S. National Action Network of the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health, a global initiative endorsed by the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

Mission and Objectives

The USBJI's primary mission was to advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. This included a wide range of disorders such as arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, and spinal deformities. The organization aimed to reduce the societal and economic burden of these conditions, which are among the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Activities and Coalitions

USBJI operated as a diverse coalition of healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, industry leaders, patients, and advocacy groups. It fostered collaborative projects, information exchange platforms, and partnership-building to address common concerns in musculoskeletal health. The organization supported research, education, awareness campaigns, and advocacy to elevate the priority of bone and joint health.

Key Programs

USBJI was responsible for several key programs, including the Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States (BMUS), an annual report highlighting the impact of these conditions on society and the economy. Another notable initiative was the Young Investigator Initiative (YII), which aimed to support early-career researchers in musculoskeletal health.

Dissolution and Legacy

As of December 31, 2023, the USBJI ceased operations and donated all its assets to the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS), a nonprofit organization focused on advancing orthopaedic and musculoskeletal research. The ORS continued to manage and disseminate USBJI's resources, ensuring the legacy of its work in improving musculoskeletal health and research continues.