Arthritis, back pain and osteoporosis are sending more Australians to hospital.
But while the admission rates rose by 13 per cent in the decade since 2004-05, there was little change in the prevalence of the musculoskeletal conditions.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) on Thursday released the latest data on the conditions which are the most common chronic ones in the country.
"Hospitalisation rates increased across most musculoskeletal conditions, and dramatically across some," said AIHW spokesperson Ann Hunt.
Osteoarthritis hospitalisation increased by 15 per cent, rheumatoid arthritis by 54 per cent and juvenile arthritis by 131 per cent.
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The osteoarthritis rise is largely due to knee and hip replacements, while the increased use of biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs accounts for part of the juvenile arthritis rise.
The drugs, which can halt or slow the disease, are administered and monitored by specialists, often requiring a hospital stay.
The data also showed that people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis often have other health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, which can complicate treatment options.
"For example, physical activity is often an important aspect of treatment for cardiovascular disease, but arthritis often restricts physical activity," Ms Hunt said.
WHO HAS MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS?
* around 6.1 million Australians
* 14 per cent have back problems
* eight per cent osteoarthritis
* three per cent osteoporosis
* two per cent rheumatoid arthritis
OSTEOARTHRITIS HOSPITALISATION
* 32 per cent rise in knee replacements
* 25 per cent rise in hip replacements
