Spinal cord injuries in France: Updated epidemiological and economic burden

Here, we present updated nationwide epidemiological and economic data on spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in France, based on the most recent reliable data from health insurance providers for 2023. The incidence rate is approximately 1,500 new cases per year, with an estimated 98,800 people currently living with an SCI. The estimated cost per patient is €8,000, potentially reaching €80,000 in the first year, equating to €790 million annually. Although France's healthcare system helps to reduce costs, spending on SCIs still accounts for a significant proportion of the total healthcare budget (0.4%). The harmonization of health data, particularly with the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11, WHO, 2019), should enable more accurate data on SCIs to be obtained in future epidemiological and economic studies.