Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (823 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Diseases of the muscles and their associated ligaments and other connective tissue and of the bones and cartilage viewed collectively.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Musculoskeletal Disease; Orthopedic Disorders; Orthopedic Disorder.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Narrower topics
- Bone Diseases; Cartilage Diseases; Fasciitis; Foot Deformities; Foot Diseases; Hand Deformities; Jaw Diseases; Joint Diseases; Muscular Diseases; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities; Rheumatic Diseases
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 1,325,087 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Musculoskeletal Diseases” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 243,032 of them (18.3%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 508,962 records.
Reviews account for 177,380 records (13.4%) and meta-analyses for 13,362. Randomized controlled trials number 34,293 (2.6%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 508,962 |
| 2000-2009 | 234,794 |
| 2010-2019 | 338,299 |
| 2020 onward | 243,032 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 177,380 | 13.4% |
| Meta-analyses | 13,362 | 1.0% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 34,293 | 2.6% |
Method: PubMed query "Musculoskeletal Diseases"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in bones, joints, muscles and skin
Joint, bone, muscle and skin conditions are often judged by pain scores, function questionnaires, imaging or photographs, and symptoms can fluctuate, so placebo response and natural improvement matter. Imaging changes are common in people without symptoms. Nothing on this page is advice about treatment. Check how outcomes were measured, whether the comparison group received a placebo or usual care, and how long the benefit lasted.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPX4-Mediated Inhibition of Ferroptosis by Sodium Selenite Ameliorates Bone Metabolic Disorders in Ovariectomized Mice | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 1 | cc by PMID 42895130 · DOI · PMC13678664 |
| Study Protocol: Efficacy of Jintiange Capsule in Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Single-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial | 2026 | Randomized controlled trial Design not recorded in structured metadata | 1 | cc by PMID 42958764 · DOI · PMC13720337 |
| Neurofeedback for Management of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Control Trial Using DOMS | 2026 | Randomized controlled trial Design not recorded in structured metadata | 1 | cc by PMID 42897899 · DOI · PMC13680852 |
GPX4-Mediated Inhibition of Ferroptosis by Sodium Selenite Ameliorates Bone Metabolic Disorders in Ovariectomized Mice [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) and its associated fracture complications have emerged as pressing public health challenges due to rapidly accelerating global population ageing.
- Closing excerpt
- Thus, we have established Na2SeO3 as a potential therapeutic strategy for PMOP by identifying a previously unrecognised molecular axis through which selenium regulates bone metabolic homeostasis.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (177 words)
Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) and its associated fracture complications have emerged as pressing public health challenges due to rapidly accelerating global population ageing. The functional decline of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) under elevated oxidative stress is a recognised pathogenic cornerstone of PMOP, positioning redox imbalance as a critical therapeutic node. Here, we establish that sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) robustly counters oxidative insults in BMSCs, thereby restoring and enhancing their osteogenic lineage commitment. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis indicated that ferroptosis may be mechanistically associated with the underlying cellular responses. Ferroptosis is critically mediated by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a selenoenzyme that functions as its principal enzymatic suppressor. Silencing GPX4 in BMSCs markedly reduced their osteogenic capacity and simultaneously upregulated ferroptotic protein expression. Notably, this impairment was not reversed by Na2SeO3 administration under conditions of GPX4 suppression. These findings suggest that Na2SeO3 enhances osteogenic differentiation primarily by upregulating GPX4 expression, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis. Thus, we have established Na2SeO3 as a potential therapeutic strategy for PMOP by identifying a previously unrecognised molecular axis through which selenium regulates bone metabolic homeostasis.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42895130 · DOI · PMC13678664
Study Protocol: Efficacy of Jintiange Capsule in Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Single-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundLumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a leading cause of chronic low back pain (LBP), severely impairing patients' quality of life and imposing a substantial global socioeconomic burden.
- Closing excerpt
- Trial registrationChinese Registry of Clinical Trials: ChiCTR2300069735.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (387 words)
BackgroundLumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a leading cause of chronic low back pain (LBP), severely impairing patients' quality of life and imposing a substantial global socioeconomic burden. Conservative treatment remains the first-line clinical option, but the commonly prescribed drug celecoxib carries a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation. Traditional Chinese medicine preparations have been proposed as alternatives, although current evidence is insufficient. Jintiange (JTG) capsule, developed as a substitute for tiger bone, exerts its pharmacological effects by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and regulating the NF-κB pathway. Previous studies have identified a close association between the p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway and pain induced by LDH. However, the efficacy of JTG in treating LDH remains unclear. High-quality research is thus urgently needed to provide evidence-based support for its clinical application.MethodThis randomized, single-center clinical trial will enroll 68 participants, centrally allocated 1:1 to receive either JTG capsules plus comprehensive Western medicine (celecoxib + eperisone) or Western medicine alone. All participants will complete an 8-week treatment phase (celecoxib for 2 weeks + eperisone for 8 weeks; with JTG capsules added for 8 weeks in the experimental group), with a follow-up at Week 12 (4 weeks after treatment completion). The primary outcome is the change in the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score for LBP, a validated instrument for evaluating treatment efficacy in LDH. Secondary outcomes include the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, SF-12 quality-of-life score, and elastic modulus of the lumbar muscles. Safety monitoring and adverse-event recording will occur throughout the study. The primary endpoint will be analyzed using the analysis of covariance. Longitudinal VAS scores at Weeks 2, 8, and 12 will be analyzed using a mixed model for repeated measures. PGIC will be analyzed as an ordinal categorical outcome, while other secondary outcomes will be analyzed using appropriate parametric or nonparametric methods. All analyses will be performed using SPSS 28.0, with no interim analysis planned.DiscussionThis trial will evaluate the clinical efficacy of JTG capsules combined with Western medicine for LBP and will explore its safety profile as a secondary/exploratory endpoint. Given the open-label combination design, safety findings will be interpreted with caution, and causality attribution to JTG alone will be limited. The findings are expected to provide an evidence-based treatment option, supporting the potential role of Chinese patent medicine in LBP management.Trial registrationChinese Registry of Clinical Trials: ChiCTR2300069735.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42958764 · DOI · PMC13720337
Neurofeedback for Management of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Control Trial Using DOMS [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- IntroductionChronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is associated with maladaptive neuroplasticity, often reflected in altered alpha activity (8-13 Hz).
- Closing excerpt
- Future studies should optimize training protocols and consider multisession designs to enhance clinical applicability.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (259 words)
IntroductionChronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is associated with maladaptive neuroplasticity, often reflected in altered alpha activity (8-13 Hz). Neurofeedback may offer a way to modulate this activity, yet most protocols target alpha activity during rest, despite movement being a common pain trigger. This study investigated whether neurofeedback during movement could modulate alpha activity and reduce pain in healthy individuals experiencing induced pain via delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).MethodThis experiment was a randomized, two-armed, parallel-group trial. Twenty-nine participants were included (15 females, mean age = 28 years). Exclusions included neurological, psychiatric, MSK conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (aiming to reduce alpha activity) or a control group (aiming to increase it). Alpha activity was assessed as the alpha power during rest and movement. DOMS was induced using eccentric exercise of muscle extensor carpi radialis in Session 1. Neurofeedback was administered in Session 2, where participants underwent three blocks of neurofeedback training, using individualized EEG-based visual feedback to modulate alpha activity. Session 3 assessed potential lasting neurofeedback effects. Pain was rated across the three sessions, which took place 24-48 h apart.ResultsDOMS induction was confirmed by increased pain (p ConclusionA single neurofeedback session was insufficient to modulate brain activity or pain perception. Methodological factors, including limited training duration and participants' strategies, may have contributed to the lack of an observable effect.SignificanceAlthough neurofeedback did not result in significant changes after one session, the observed alpha modulation following DOMS highlights the relevance of targeting neuroplasticity during MSK pain. Future studies should optimize training protocols and consider multisession designs to enhance clinical applicability.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42897899 · DOI · PMC13680852
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Efficacy and Safety of Anti-nerve Growth Factor Monoclonal Antibodies in Managing Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-analysis [4]
- Research article SCREENING INSTRUMENTS FOR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS [5]
- Research article Effectiveness of High-Intensity Versus Low-To-Moderate-Intensity Resistance Training in Improving Muscle Strength and Bone Mineral Density in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials [6]
- Research article All-on-4 and All-on-6 implant-supported fixed prostheses for the edentulous jaw: a systematic review and meta-analysis [7]
- Research article The Anabolic-First Strategy in Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Fracture Outcomes in Patients at Very High Fracture Risk [8]
- Research article Outcome and Safety of Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [9]
Full-text reviews on EvidenceLib
Open-access review articles about this topic, reproduced in full with authors, licence and references.
Biochemical Markers of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging to be Assessed in Clinical Trials of Drugs Aiming at the Treatment of Sarcopenia: Consensus Paper from an Expert Group Meeting Organized by the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) and the Centre Académique de Recherche et d'Expérimentation en Santé (CARES SPRL), Under the Auspices of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for the Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Aging
Aurélie Ladang, Charlotte Beaudart, Jean-Yves Reginster et al. · Calcified Tissue International 2023 · CC BY 4.0
References
- Luo W, Xu H, Liu X, Zhang Y, Zhou H, Pan X, et al.. GPX4-Mediated Inhibition of Ferroptosis by Sodium Selenite Ameliorates Bone Metabolic Disorders in Ovariectomized Mice. . 2026. PMID 42895130 · DOI · PMC13678664
- Zhu Y, Lv H, Wang Y, Yin X, Li K, He H, et al.. Study Protocol: Efficacy of Jintiange Capsule in Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Single-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial. . 2026. PMID 42958764 · DOI · PMC13720337
- Gregersen KA, Vilsøe JB, Andreis FR, Gervasio S. Neurofeedback for Management of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Control Trial Using DOMS. . 2026. PMID 42897899 · DOI · PMC13680852
- Abouelella A, Najah Q, Day RO, Arendt-Nielsen L, Lopez-Olivo MA, Bagg MK, et al.. Efficacy and Safety of Anti-nerve Growth Factor Monoclonal Antibodies in Managing Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-analysis. Drugs. 2026. PMID 41880116 · DOI
- Kutschke A, Schierz O, Lövgren A, Peck C, Durham J, Häggman-Henrikson B. SCREENING INSTRUMENTS FOR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS. J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2026. PMID 42114934 · DOI
- Shen YC, Chen KH, Hou WH, Kang YN, Shen WT, Hoang KD, et al.. Effectiveness of High-Intensity Versus Low-To-Moderate-Intensity Resistance Training in Improving Muscle Strength and Bone Mineral Density in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2026. PMID 42366614 · DOI
- Shao WH, Chen R, Wang S, Duan SY, Zhang XD, Tang YL. All-on-4 and All-on-6 implant-supported fixed prostheses for the edentulous jaw: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2026. PMID 42031576 · DOI
- Cipolloni V, Bonifacio M, Hassny SM, Melara G, Lucchetti L, Gentile M, et al.. The Anabolic-First Strategy in Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Fracture Outcomes in Patients at Very High Fracture Risk. Medicina (Kaunas). 2026. PMID 42075559 · DOI · PMC13117170
- Amin AT, Safar IEM, Trujillo RB, Buritica JGT, Ahmed O, Jannusch K, et al.. Outcome and Safety of Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2026. PMID 42303879 · DOI · PMC13597475
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.