1. Socioeconomic disparities in lumbar fusion rates were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Author
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Janet Y. Wu, BA, BM, Megan Tang, BA, Gavin Touponse, BS, Marinos Theologitis, Theresa Williamson, MD, and Corinna C. Zygourakis, MD
- Subjects
Socioeconomic status ,Healthcare disparities ,Lumbar fusion trends ,COVID-19 pandemic ,Spine surgery ,Utilization trends ,Orthopedic surgery ,RD701-811 ,Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system ,RC346-429 - Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare access and utilization throughout the US, with variable impact on patients of different socioeconomic status (SES) and race. We characterize pre-pandemic and pandemic demographic and SES trends of lumbar fusion patients in the US. Methods: Adults undergoing first-time lumbar fusion 1/1/2004–3/31/2021 were assessed in Clinformatics® Data Mart for patient age, geographical location, gender, race, education level, net worth, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate the significance of trends over time, with a focus on pandemic trends 2020–2021 versus previous trends 2004–2019. Results: The total 217,204 patients underwent lumbar fusions, 1/1/2004–3/31/2021. The numbers and per capita rates of lumbar fusions increased 2004–2019 and decreased in 2020 (first year of COVID-19 pandemic), with large variation in geographic distribution. There was overall a significant decrease in proportion of White patients undergoing lumbar fusion over time (OR=0.997, p$500k) and lowest (
- Published
- 2024
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