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

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.