DOS Kongressen 2014 ·
223
Regional Differences in Number of Meniscal
Procedures in Denmark
Kristoffer Borbjerg Hare, Jesper Høeg Vinther, L Stefan Lohmander, Jonas Bloch
Thorlund
Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of
Southern Denmark; Department of Orthopedic, Kolding Hospital
Background:
A recent study reported a large increase in the number of ar-
throscopic meniscal procedures from 2000-2011 in Denmark. This large in-
crease was observed almost exclusively in middle- aged and older patients.
Regional differences have previously been reported for the use of surgical in-
terventions.
Purpose / Aim of Study:
In this study we examined regional differences in
number of meniscal procedures performed in Denmark.
Materials and Methods:
We extracted data from the National Patient Register.
Data was retrieved on all patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscus sur-
gery either as primary procedure or part of other surgery in the years 2005
to 2011. Data was extracted on age, sex and hospital identification code for
each contact, which enables linkage of performed procedures to hospital and
regional location. Yearly incidence rates per 100 000 were calculated (with 95
% confidence intervals) for all procedures performed in each of the five regions
in Denmark.
Findings / Results:
From 2005 to 2011 the overall yearly incidence rate
increased from 214 (210-217, 95% CI) to 312 (307-316, 95% CI). In the
Capital Region the incidence rate more than doubled from 165 (159-171, 95%
CI) to 366 (357- 375, 95% CI). In Region Mid the incidence rate increased
from 255 (246-264, 95% CI) to 294 (284-303, 95% CI) while the highest
incidence rate was observed in the Region of Southern Denmark rising from
298 (288-308, 95% CI) to 438 (426-450, 95% CI). In Region Zealand and
Region North there was a slight decrease from 131 (123-139, 95% CI) to 124
(116-131, 95% CI) and 206 (195-218, 95% CI) to 195 (183-206, 95% CI),
respectively.
Conclusions:
Large regional differences were apparent in the use and increase
of meniscal procedures in Denmark from 2005-2011. In 2011 the incidence
rate in Region of Southern Denmark was 3.5 times greater than in Region
Zealand.
170.
