The next 10 years will mark the dawning of a new decade – The Bone and Joint Decade (BJD). An international project centered in Lund, Sweden, the BJD was established to heighten awareness and provide research advantages for all disciplines associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Since people do not usually die from musculoskeletal disorders, public awareness is not as high and, therefore, less money is allocated for research in this area, compared to other more “visible” disorders.
Nevertheless, the burden that these conditions impose on society may be much more significant than previously thought, and the primary goal of the BJD will be to heighten awareness of the facts associated with the “burden of musculoskeletal diseases.”
As of March 22, 2000, 20 countries and 16 states in the United States have joined this effort and established their own “National Action Network.” In addition, the United Nations joined the ever-increasing list of supporters and President Clinton has been petitioned to sign a BJD declaration (although this is perhaps unlikely, due to other compelling influences and reluctance on the part of the Office of the President to issue commemorative proclamation by body part).
In the United States, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is spearheading the U.S. National Action Network Steering Committee for the BJD. It is very loose regarding its political structure, especially regarding the oversight of its associated disciplines, including spine. Other disciplines include: 1) inflammatory joint disease, 2) osteoarthritis, 3) osteoporosis, 4) extremity trauma and 5) pediatrics.
The BJD National Action Network Committee has encouraged these disciplines, including spine, to “take the ball and run with it” in aggressively developing a “Decade of the Spine” concept beneath its umbrella. It is clear that two “Decade” declarations, particularly if they are conceptually related, should not coincide. Therefore, the “Decade of the Spine” concept may take on a name such as the “Era” or “Age” of the spine. To broaden the appeal and inclusiveness of the Bone and Joint effort, the AAOS is considering to focus instead on the “Burden of Musculoskeletal Disease” effort, rather than the narrower BJD approach.
A Council on Spine Surgery (COSS) Subcommittee, headed by Ron Dewald and composed of Steve Garfin, MD; Arnold Menezes, MD; Courtney Brown, MD; and Andrew Cole, MD, is pursuing issues such as logo design and the possibility of having a joint meeting between the National Association of Spine Surgeons and the AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves to celebrate the spine in mid-decade.
AANS Supports the BJD Project
The AANS Board of Directors recently voted to endorse the BJD project and to further explore a mechanism by which a spine program (“Spine Decade” concept) could be initiated and developed to elevate the spine and, more specifically, the role of neurosurgeons in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of spinal diseases and disorders.
To that end, the AANS approved the creation of a special AANS/CNS Spine Focus Task Force. Edward C. Benzel, MD, will Chair the task force, which will have representatives from the AANS, CNS, Spine Section, Council of State Neurosurgical Societies and the Washington Committee, and will be charged with developing recommendations on the creation and implementation of a comprehensive spine focus initiative. In conjunction with this initiative, organized neurosurgery is considering pursuing this concept for the spine under the loose umbrella of the BJD National Action Network Committee.
Lend Your Support
Such an initiative could effectively heighten awareness regarding disorders of the spine, as well as increase funding for spine research. Furthermore, it could heighten the awareness of the lay public regarding the role of the neurosurgeon in managing spinal disorders. Through this project, neurosurgeons clearly have an opportunity to “take the ball andd run with it.” Enthusiastic support is encouraged so that the momentum of the new “Decade” can be established.
AANS to Host Decade of the Bone and Joint Luncheon
On June 7, 2000, the AANS, along with several other medical specialty societies, will host a luncheon in Washington, D.C,, kicking-off the Bone and Joint Decade. The luncheon will serve as a forum to educate Congress and federal officials about the initiative and will include the presentation of a letter drafted by President Clinton and endorsed by the Vatican and the United Nations in support of the Decade movement. In addition, an AANS-sponsored presentation on the spine will be conducted. Look to future issues of the Bulletin for more information on the AANS’ involvement in the BJD.