In an epidemiological context arthrosis is becoming more important due to demographic changes. This study describes the routine medical treatment of patients with arthrosis.
Claims data of a German statutory health insurance fund for the period from 2005 to 2008 were analyzed. All insured patients aged 60 years and older residing in Kinzigtal were included. In detail all 1,551 insured persons with a validated ambulatory diagnosis of gonarthrosis or coxarthrosis (ICD-10: M16/M17) were analyzed.
The treatment prevalence of arthrosis documented by practice-based physicians rose from 14 % (60-69 years old) to 25 % (80 years and older). At least one hospital admission between 2006 and 2008 was documented for two thirds of the patients whereby 86 and 95 patients were admitted because of coxarthrosis or gonarthrosis, respectively. A total of 112 and 96 insured patients received an implantation or revision of an endoprosthesis of the hip or knee, respectively. The need for nursing care did not decrease in cases of surgical compared to conservative treatment.
Claims data allow a differentiated analysis of medical treatment and quality of care as well as a comparison of alternatives of medical care for patients with arthrosis. Results of such analyses can be used to identify patients with increased vulnerability.