Progress of orthopaedic research in China over the last decade

Abstract Musculoskeletal injury and disease is one of the major diseases that threaten the human health worldwide. To address these clinical challenges, basic research in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these diseases and injuries must be strengthened. Over the last decade, National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) has initiated various research programs with a total funding of over 1149 million RMB to support orthopaedic exploration. Under the potent support of NSFC, great progress has been made in basic research, talent training, platform construction and the clinical translation in the field of orthopaedics in China. In this article, we will analyze the data from NSFC, summarize the representative scientific achievements in the past decade, and discuss the future challenges and directions for orthopaedic research in China.