The burden of disease associated with musculoskeletal conditions is now well recognised globally to be enormous and more significant than most other non-communicable conditions, and continues to increase. Importantly, the burden of disease transcends age, race, gender, economies and geographies. In this context, urgent global action is required to ensure human quality of life, now and in the future. Previous issues of the journal have addressed the epidemiology of musculoskeletal conditions, disability and the effectiveness of prevention and interventions for early and established disease management. We know that musculoskeletal conditions can be prevented and managed effectively across the life course. Despite this awareness, the attention given to effective implementation of such evidence into policy and practice remains grossly incommensurate with the burden of disease. Models of Care for the prevention and management of musculoskeletal conditions are increasingly recognised as an effective lever to facilitate the translation of evidence into health policy and practice. While we have previously reviewed the scope of Models of Care for musculoskeletal conditions in a 2014 issue of the journal , their implementation across settings has not been comprehensively explored. This issue of the journal is dedicated to tackling complex implementation challenges by bringing together leaders in implementation science, health policy and health services, clinical champions from a vast range of disciplines and consumer advocacy leaders to detail implementation practices and outcomes relevant to musculoskeletal Models of Care across settings. A team of 62 unique authors from 13 nations have contributed to the 10 papers, reflecting the importance of broad, cross-sector engagement for effective implementation. By drawing on effectiveness research, health service research, implementation and behavioural change science and coalface clinical experience, this issue of the journal seeks to inform a multidisciplinary readership (researchers, clinicians, policymakers, healthcare funders, administrators and consumers) about not only what care should be delivered to people who live with musculoskeletal conditions, but also how best to deliver this care. The “ how ” focuses on providing a major step forward in our understanding and capabilities in practical implementation. We are pleased to commission and guest edit this special issue of Best Practice and Research Clinical Rheumatology . We gratefully acknowledge the enormous efforts of the 62 authors who have contributed to the articles and the coordinating support from Elsevier.