Trends in Meniscal Allograft Transplant in the Republic of Korea, 2010-2018: An Analysis Based on the Korean National Health Insurance Claims Database

Abstract

Background: Analyzing the current trends in meniscal allograft transplant (MAT) is important. However, no recent descriptive epidemiological study based on a national registry database has been reported. Purpose: To assess serial trends in the incidence of MAT in the Republic of Korea between 2010 and 2018, stratified by age and sex. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The number of MAT procedures between 2010 and 2018 was assessed using the Korean National Health Insurance claims database. We used code N0825 for isolated MAT and code N0820 for MAT combined with other procedures, such as ligament reconstruction, realignment surgery, and cartilage procedures. The incidence of MAT was calculated using the general population data of the Republic of Korea, and Poisson log-linear regression analysis was used to assess statistical serial trends. Results: A total of 369 patients underwent MAT in 2010 and 774 in 2018, with an increase of 47.6%. The incidence of MAT per 100,000 person-years in the Republic of Korea increased significantly during the period studied, from 0.75 in 2010 to 1.50 in 2018 (annual relative risk = 1.09; 95% CI, 1.08-1.10; P