ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: High prevalence and high costs in the treatment of spine injuries make a cost study necessary. The objective of this paper is to analyze, from the economic point of view, the behavior of traumatic and non-traumatic spinal pathologies in relation to hospital stay. METHODS: Analysis of economic cost per hospital stay (January 2000 to May 2010). RESULTS: 4,173 cases studied, 45% women and 55% men, predominantly elderly and a mean age of 48.9, standard deviation 16.8 years, with a notable increase in hospital expenses in prevalence and peak months: January, February and April; and a decrease in July, October and December. Total expenses for hospital stay were estimated as $85,565,288.00. Traumatic entities consumed $40,404,477.00, and degenerative $21,866,815.00. The months of highest spending were: April, $11,072,683.00, December, $8,423,773.00 and February $8,154,152.00; whereas July showed the lowest spending: $4,874,261.00. Inflation up to July 2011 remained at 3.55% on average, down 2.98 percentage points from 2008 figures. DISCUSSION: there is a clear increase in spending connected with spine condition treatment at hospitals, in particular those resulting from traumatic events. The definition of risk groups for preventive measures is also reflected in the spending records. Spending on hospital treatment of spinal conditions of the elderly reflects an increment in degenerative conditions. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to plan a timely resource distribution by month and year in order to achieve a better and more efficient scheme for health services. The epidemiological basis for the reorientation of the current models is now clear.