A recent study covered in Claims Journal revealed over 62 percent of workers who underwent spinal fusion surgery had initially reported their conditions as strains or sprains.
The study authors gathered data from the California Workers' Compensation Institute, which included claims for more than 18,266 work injury claims that eventually resulted in spinal fusions.
Here are five things to know:
1. Males accounted for over 64 percent of the spinal fusion claims in the 15 years studied.
2. Males tend to pay 15.5 percent more for temporary disability than females, 27.1 percent more for permanent disability and 16 percent more for medical costs.
3. Claims resulting in spinal fusions were reported as:
- Strains and sprains (62 percent)
- Cumulative traumas such as mental stress (14 percent)
4. Lumbar fusions made up half of the workers' comp spinal fusions and additional vertebral segments accounted for one-third of all fusions.
5. Leading comorbidities were:
- Mental health disorders were noted in 37 percent of spinal fusion cases
- Circulatory problems were noted in 29.9 percent
- Substance abuse was noted in 17.1 percent
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