Increasing cost of Trauma Hospitalizations in the Pediatric Population. Cost Analysis of Treatment of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Children and Adolescents.

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries in children and adolescents have rarely been investigated in the recent literature. This study aimed to perform a comparative medical and economic analysis of the cost of treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and that of selected pediatric surgical procedures in children and adolescents.Material and methods, We performed a retrospective analysis of data of children treated in a pediatric surgery department for musculoskeletal injuries and selected general surgical conditions in 2021-2023. The number of hospitalizations, procedures, the number of NHF credits awarded, and the monetary value (PLN) of procedures performed were assessedResults. There were a total of 3,809 children hospitalized in 2021-2023, of whom 1,933 received surgical treatment (51%). In this group, 529 children (28%) were treated due to musculoskeletal injuries (Group I), and 402 (20%), due to general surgical conditions (Group II). The average monetary value of the procedures performed was 949,238.2 PLN / year for Group I and 740,583.6 PLN / year for Group II.

Conclusions: 1. In the pediatric population, musculoskeletal injuries account for the highest percentage of injuries associated with serious sequelae. 2. The monetary value of procedures for treating musculoskeletal injuries is higher compared to selected general surgical procedures according to DRGs. 3. The cost of performing trauma procedures constitutes 56% of the NHF contract value and has been gradually increasing. 4. The significant and increasing incidence of traumatic injuries and the high cost of their treatment require an increase in the overall contract value for centers treating injuries in children and adolescents.