Sozialmedizinische Bedeutung der Arthrose in Deutschland Socioeconomic Relevance of Osteoarthritis in Germany

Abstract ! Aim of Study: The aim of this study was to sum-marise the impact of medical care and relatedcosts due to the treatment of osteoarthritis inGermany. Material and Methods: Data from differenthealth care institutions, government authoritiesand public health insurances for the year 2002were analysed. Amount and cost of acute and re-habilitation treatments (in-patient as well asout-patient), sickness leave and early retirementrelated to osteoarthritis were estimated. Results: Advanced hip and knee osteoarthritishave a high socioeconomic impact in Germany.The number of people affected is growing, as isthe overall incidence of joint replacement, espe-cially knee arthroplasties and the percentage ofin-patient rehabilitation for osteoarthritis. Conclusion: Our study confirms that the directand indirect costs attributable to osteoarthritisare substantial and the resulting socioeconomicburdenissignificant.Sinceageisamajorriskfac-tor for osteoarthritis, the demographic changeswill lead to an increased need for medical treat-ment of osteoarthritis patients in the future.