Trends in meniscus surgery by patient age and societal changes in Korea from 2010 to 2020

Abstract

Abstract Background Surgery related to the meniscus can be divided into three categories: meniscectomy, meniscal repair and meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT). Meniscus injury is closely related to osteoarthritis, and the patient's age affects the choice of surgical method. As Korean society is rapidly changing into an aging society, the trend of meniscus treatment is expected to change according to the change in age structure. Methods This study analyzed longitudinal trends in meniscus surgery (e.g., meniscectomy, meniscal repair, and MAT) in Korea from 2010 to 2020 according to age distribution, hospital size, and region. Data were collected from the Korean Statistical Information Service and the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Results During the 2010–2020 study period, the rate of MAT per 1,000,000 people increased from 7.206 to 10.303 (time trend = 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.10, p = 0.025). The rate of meniscus repair per 1,000,000 people increased from 179.251 to 331.031 (time trend = 1.054; 95% CI: 1.04–1.07; P < 0.001). The rate of meniscectomy per 1,000,000 people decreased from 1301.616 to 1243.763, but the difference was not statistically significant (time trend = 0.991; 95% CI: 0.975–1.006, p = 0.260). Conclusions The number of patients presenting for MAT increased during the study period; it significantly increased among individuals aged 10–19 years and 50–59 years. The overall rate of meniscus repair increased; the increase was greatest in general hospitals and orthopedic surgery clinics. The overall rate of meniscectomy did not significantly increase or decrease, although the rate tended to decrease in tertiary hospitals and Seoul.