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Home Page > Research areas > Arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders

Arthritis is one of the biggest causes of disability in the UK. It affects people of all ages, but especially older people. 

A recent MORI poll commissioned by Arthritis Research UK found that 13 million people in the UK are currently affected by arthritis and joint pain, although only about half of these people discuss their condition with their GP.

There are more than 200 different types of arthritis and related conditions.  Osteoarthritis is the most common type, which tends to affect people as they get older.  About half of people over 55 years of age will have osteoarthritis. 

In the most severe cases, people may eventually require hip or knee replacements.  Other common musculoskeletal conditions are back pain and osteoporosis.

Arthritis Research UK fund a senior statistician based at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit to advise rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons on the design and conduct of clinical trials. We also provide statistical support for the Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) in Stanmore, North London.  The RNOH fund a junior statistician post at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit.

In the VIDEO trial, funded by Arthritis Research UK, we are collaborating with the RNOH to test whether Vitamin D supplements can improve symptoms and reduce the rate of disease progression in people with knee osteoarthritis.