New Australian arthritis and osteoporosis projects announced

Funding of $2.8 million dollars has been distributed today for 11 new Australian projects which will put into practice what we know about the best ways to treat and manage people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.

Many of the projects will work directly with patients who need extra assistance including young people, Indigenous communities and those in rural and regional Australia. The projects cover a range of management techniques including self-management by patients, using computer software to manage patient progress and giving accurate information direct to the patient.

Arthritis and osteoporosis are major issues in Australia. Over 1.8 million Australians report having rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, and for those Australians over the age of 60, it is estimated that almost half of women and a third of all men have a fracture due to osteoporosis. Cost estimates for arthritis and osteoarthritis range from $1.6 billion per year for direct costs to $18.7 billion per year for direct and indirect costs.