Epidemiology of Work-Related Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: An Analysis of Workers' Compensation Claims in Korea, 2011-2019

J Occup Environ Med. 2023 Jul 1;65(7):e453-e457. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002852. Epub 2023 Apr 6.

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to identify the incidence and burden of work-related traumatic spinal cord injury (wrTSCI) in Korea in the 10-year period from 2010 to 2019.

Methods: We used nationwide workers' compensation insurance data. The study population comprised industrially injured workers with TSCI diagnosis codes. The annual incidence of wrTSCI (number per million workers) was calculated.

Results: The mean annual incidence of wrTSCI was 22.8/1,000,000 (95% confidence interval, 20.5 to 25.0), and the mean total cost per claim was 231.40 million KRW. The incidence of TSCI in the cervical region was the highest (13.1/1,000,000; 95% confidence interval, 11.4 to 14.9), and most cases were in the construction industry (47.3%).

Conclusion: These findings can help identify specific at-risk groups and facilitate the development of prevention strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Construction Industry*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Republic of Korea / epidemiology
  • Spinal Cord Injuries* / epidemiology
  • Workers' Compensation