Epidemiological trends of spinal diseases over 15 years in South Korea: a nationwide claims-based analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate 15-year trends in the prevalence and healthcare expenditure of spinal diseases in South Korea, encompassing the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to a super-aged society.

METHODS

Claims records registered in the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service between 2010 and 2024 served as the analytical source for this population-level investigation. All patients diagnosed with spinal diseases (ICD-10: M40-M54) were identified. We calculated age-standardized rates (ASRs) per 100,000 population using the WHO 2000 World Standard Population. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to identify significant trend changes by sex and disease subgroup.

RESULTS

A total of 9.50 million patients in 2010 increased to 13.26 million in 2024 (+ 39.6%). Male ASR rose at an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 1.73% (95% CI: 1.47-1.99; p < 0.001), while female ASR remained stable (AAPC: 0.05%; 95% CI: -0.24 to 0.35; p = 0.706). The female-to-male ASR ratio declined from 1.42 to 1.13. Back pain (M54) showed significant increases in both sexes. Total healthcare expenditure grew from 1.42 to 3.26 billion USD (+ 130%).

CONCLUSION

Males, not females, accounted for most of the 39.6% growth. The sex ratio compressed (1.42 to 1.13). A 130% cost surge against 39.6% patient growth signals escalating treatment intensity per episode; sex-tailored prevention and expenditure governance may warrant consideration.