Economic burden of pressure injury prevention and treatment in denervated gluteal muscles following spinal cord injury - a Retrospective Cohort study.

Abstract

Retrospective data analysis. Nearly half of all individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) develop a pressure injury (PI). Surgical interventions are often unavoidable, creating a substantial economic burden. Electrical stimulation (ES) may help to prevent PIs by supporting skin perfusion and muscle tissue maintenance. This study provides an economic evaluation of healthcare costs comparing surgical PI treatment and preventive ES in people with SCI treated within the Swiss healthcare setting. SCI Rehabilitation Centre in Switzerland. We retrospectively analysed healthcare costs for individuals with chronic SCI and denervated gluteal muscles who developed a PI requiring surgical intervention. These costs were compared with projected expenses for preventive ES aimed at preserving muscle tissue and reducing PI risk. Included patients had been treated or had attended follow-up visits at a specialised acute and rehabilitation clinic for SCI in Switzerland between January 2021 and December 2024. Across 53 cases, median total surgical treatment costs (Q1-Q3) were of 143,309 Swiss Francs (CHF) (93,548-223,939), while the median hospital length of stay was of 89 (63-126) days. Indirect operating costs represented the largest component of expenses. In contrast, the projection of costs for twenty years of ES therapy was approximately 12,609 CHF, indicating substantial cost savings. Preventive ES represents a cost-saving alternative to surgical treatment of PIs in individuals with SCI in Switzerland. Its implementation could decrease healthcare expenditures, improve patient quality of life by reducing prolonged hospitalisations and bed rest. This further supports its consideration regarding regional reimbursement and clinical policies.