Musculoskeletal complaints and its economic impact in an Iranian army hospital

Abstract

AimMusculoskeletal conditions constitute a remarkable portion of disability cases in the military. This study evaluated the distribution and types of musculoskeletal problems and estimated the direct and indirect costs due to these complaints in an Iranian military hospital.MethodsAll medical records of patients with musculoskeletal complaints that were referred to the medical committee of a military hospital, including rheumatology, orthopedics, and neuro-surgical specialists, from 2014 to 2016, were reviewed. Details of each complaint and the final opinion of the medical committees were recorded. The cost of each diagnostic step was calculated based on the recorded data. The treatment costs were estimated for each complaint by calculating the average cost of treatment plans suggested by two specialists, a physical medicine and a rheumatologist. The estimated cost for each part is calculated based on the army insurance low. Indirect costs due to absences, inability to work, and disability were assessed and added to the above-mentioned direct costs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.Results2,116 medical records of the committee were reviewed. 1252 (59.16%) cases were soldiers (who had to spend two years of mandatory duty in the army), and 864 (40.83%) cases were non-soldiers. The three most common complaints were fractures (301 cases, 14.22%), low back pain due to lumbar disc bulges and herniations (303 cases, 14.31%), and genu varus/genu valgus (257 cases, 12.14%). The most affected sites were the lower limbs and vertebral column. According to an official document in these subjects’ records, 4120 person-days absent from work were estimated annually, and nearly $1,172,149 of annual economic impact was calculated.ConclusionMusculoskeletal problems are common in the army, and establishing preventive strategies for these conditions is essential. The conservative and medical approach and the proper education for correct movement and the situation should be mentioned for the reduction of disability and its economic burden on the army’s staff.