The Economic Burden of Treating Common Types Of Bone Fractures
Broken bones are a common injury that can happen to anyone, at any time. While they may seem like a minor inconvenience, the economic burden of treating bone fractures is significant.
According to research conducted by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the cost of treating a single fracture can range from $2,500 to over $100,000 depending on factors such as severity and location. This includes not only medical expenses but also lost wages and productivity due to missed work.
One particularly costly type of fracture is hip fractures. A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that the average cost for treating a hip fracture was $26,935 per patient in 2013. With an estimated 300,000 hip fractures occurring each year in the United States alone, this adds up to a staggering economic burden.
Another common type of fracture is wrist fractures. Research has shown that these injuries result in an average total cost per patient ranging from $6,915 for non-surgical treatment to $16,432 for surgical treatment.
In addition to direct medical costs and lost productivity, there are also indirect costs associated with bone fractures such as increased caregiver burden and long-term disability. A study published in Osteoporosis International found that patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures had significantly higher healthcare utilization rates than those without such injuries.
Prevention is key when it comes to reducing the economic burden of bone fractures. One way individuals can lower their risk is by maintaining strong bones through proper nutrition and exercise. Additionally, wearing protective gear during activities such as sports or construction work can help prevent injuries from occurring in the first place.
Advances in technology have also helped reduce costs associated with treating bone fractures. For example, telemedicine allows doctors to remotely monitor patients after surgery or during recovery periods which reduces hospital readmissions and associated costs. Additionally, 3D printing technology has been used to create custom-fit casts and splints which can reduce the need for multiple fittings and adjustments.
In conclusion, while bone fractures may seem like a minor inconvenience, they come with a significant economic burden. By taking preventative measures and utilizing advances in technology, we can work towards reducing this burden and improving overall healthcare outcomes.
References:
1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). (2019). The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States: Prevalence, Societal and Economic Cost.
2. Brauer C.A., Coca-Perraillon M., Cutler D.M., Rosen A.B. Incidence and mortality of hip fractures in the United States JAMA 2009;302(14):1573–1579.
3. Chung K.C., Shauver M.J., Yin H., Kim H.M., Baser O.. Outcomes research in hand surgery: current state and future directions J Hand Surg Am 2009;34(8):1466–1476.
4. Silverman S.L.; Minshall ME.; Shen W.; Harper KD.; Xie S.. The relationship of health-related quality of life to prevalent vertebral fractures and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2001;26(5):581–587.
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*Note: this site does not provide medical opinions or diagnosis and should not be relied upon instead of receiving medical attention from a licensed medical professional.
