“EPIDEMIOLOGICAL TRENDS AND BURDEN OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN A TERTIARY ORTHOPAEDIC OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS”

Background: Orthopaedic outpatient departments (OPDs) serve as the first point of contact for patients with a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal complaints. Identifying the distribution of illnesses and trauma-related conditions helps guide preventive strategies, health education, and efficient healthcare delivery. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted over four months (June to September 2023) in the Orthopaedic OPD of a tertiary care teaching in Gujarat. A total of 350 adult patients (age >18 years), newly presenting to the OPD and meeting the inclusion criteria, were enrolled. Data were collected from prescriptions and clinical records. Demographic details, clinical presentations, and history of trauma were documented and analyzed statistically. Results: Among the 350 participants, males constituted 61.4% (n=215) and females 38.6% (n=135). The highest number of cases was observed in the 18–30 years age group (33.1%), followed by 41–50 years (22.3%). The most common presenting complaint was low back pain (30.3%), followed by osteoarthritis (13.1%) and cervical spondylosis (9.4%). Trauma contributed to 36.8% of cases, predominantly among males (67.1%) and the 18–30 years group (35.7%). Fractures were infrequent due to exclusion of emergency cases. Conclusions: Low back pain remains the leading cause of orthopaedic OPD visits, with a significant proportion of young adults affected by trauma-related musculoskeletal issues. Findings emphasize the need for targeted injury prevention strategies and ergonomic awareness programs, especially among young males.