Musculoskeletal disease in the United States: who provides the care?

Musculoskeletal care is a big business in the United States. It is estimated that the cost of musculoskeletal care is in excess of $215 billion per year. Although orthopaedic surgeons are responsible for providing musculoskeletal care, a significant proportion of care is rendered by other healthcare providers including primary care physicians, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, podiatrists, physical therapists, and a cadre of alternative care providers including chiropractors, acupuncture specialists, and naturopaths. The purpose of the current study is to provide data regarding the provision of musculoskeletal care by those other than orthopaedic surgeons to determine what, if any, concerns exist among other providers regarding manpower issues, and to suggest alternatives for orthopaedic surgeons to maintain or perhaps increase their proportion of musculoskeletal care in the United States.