OA2311. Injury burden and rehabilitation needs in the EU: Insights from the Global Burden of Disease study

Abstract Issue Injuries remain a major source of disability across the European Union (EU), generating significant demand for long-term rehabilitation. Despite advances in prevention and acute trauma care, the persistent burden of injury-related disability highlights the need to examine trends and their implications for rehabilitation systems. Methods We analysed Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010–2021 estimates for the EU, focusing on years lived with disability (YLDs) as a proxy for rehabilitation needs from major injury categories. Data were reported in absolute numbers and age-standardized rates with 95% uncertainty intervals. Sex-specific patterns were explored, and results contextualized within EU-wide safety and health policy frameworks. Results From 2010 to 2021, total injury-related YLDs declined by 7.2%, from 6.5 to 6.2 million years (95% UI: 4.1–8.7 million). Hip dislocations (-25.0%), multiple trauma (-16.3%), and burns (-10.5%) showed the largest reductions. Fractures remained the predominant contributor, accounting for 57% of all injury YLDs, with only a minimal decrease (-1.0%). This sustained fracture burden reflects the combined effects of demographic ageing and fragility-related injuries, translating into a continuously high demand for rehabilitation services, particularly physiotherapy, orthopaedic rehabilitation, and long-term functional support. Marked sex disparities were observed: males experienced 3.9 million YLDs versus 2.3 million in females, particularly for spinal injuries (M:F ratio 2.3:1) and amputations (2.1:1). with greater improvements among men (-8.1% vs -6.2%). Lessons EU-wide safety initiatives have reduced the disability burden from several high-severity injury types, yet fractures remain a persistent challenge. Fractures remain the leading cause of injury-related disability, and substantial sex disparities highlight the need for gender-sensitive and age-targeted prevention and rehabilitation. Key messages • EU-wide measures in road traffic safety, occupational protections, trauma network expansion and consumer product safety have reduced injury-related disability by 7.2% between 2010 and 2021, with notable successes in hip dislocation and trauma prevention. Emerging risks such as e-scooter accidents and climate-related hazards require further integration into future EU safety agendas. • Fractures’ limited decline underscores the urgent need to strengthen rehabilitation capacity across countries. Future strategies must integrate preventive measures for fragility fractures with investment in rehabilitation services to meet the demands of an ageing population and sustain functional independence. Topic Burden of injury, rehabilitation, trend analysis.