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Summary
In 1974, California hospitals saw over 72,000 backache admissions. Discogenic disease was common, with surgery costing more than medical care, totaling $1.38 billion nationally.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Spine Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Backache is a significant cause of hospital admissions.
- Discogenic disease is a frequent diagnosis among patients hospitalized for back pain.
- Understanding the economic burden of backache is crucial for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the national cost of hospitalizations for backache in 1974.
- To compare the costs of surgical versus medical treatment for backache.
- To assess the economic impact of discogenic disease-related hospitalizations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospital admission data from California in 1974.
- Inclusion of 72,645 patients admitted for backache.
- Calculation of hospital and physician-related service costs for surgical and medical treatments.
Main Results:
- 50% of backache admissions had diagnoses compatible with discogenic disease.
- Surgical treatment was performed in 27% of hospitalized patients.
- Surgical treatment costs exceeded medical treatment costs, contributing significantly to the overall economic burden.
Conclusions:
- The national cost for inpatient backache care in 1974 was an estimated $1.38 billion.
- Surgical interventions represent a substantial component of the economic burden associated with backache.
- Further research should consider outpatient costs and lost income for a comprehensive economic assessment.