Musculoskeletal diseases as the basis for disability certificates in Lublin (Poland) in 2006–2021

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal diseases are not a leading cause of death but one of the common causes of disability and therefore play an important role in the global burden of diseases producing financial costs, need for hospitalization, treatment, rehabilitation, and hiring numerous medical personnel and caregivers. Patients who obtain a moderate or severe disability certificate may more easily find a job, have shorter working hours, apply for reduced tax, parking cards, co-financing of rehabilitation or renovation of the bathroom in order to adapt it to their disability. The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of people obtaining a disability certificate due to diseases of the locomotor system in Lublin within the last 16 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors asked the Municipal Disability Adjudication Council in Lublin to provide data on the number of disability certificates issued in the years 2006–2021. RESULTS: In the years 2006–2021 the Municipal Disability Adjudication Council in Lublin issued 76,581 disability certificates. The most common was the moderate degree of disability (36,458 certificates). The most common reason for being diagnosed with disability was diseases of the locomotor system. In the years 2006–2013, 41% of people obtaining disability certificates because of bone and joint diseases were in the 41–50 age group. From 2014, people over 60 years predominated. Of these, 57% were women. The majority of them had a secondary education. As many as 74% were unemployed, while only 36% were employed. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal diseases are a leading reason for issuing disability certificates in Lublin within the last 16 years. The certificates most often let patients obtain parking cards, facilitate the search for employment and enable them to apply for tax reductions.