Epidemiological Evidence of Hospital Discharges for Meniscal Tears in Chile (2021–2024)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19055975Keywords:
Meniscal Tear, Hospital Discharges, Traumatology, ChileAbstract
Introduction: Degenerative meniscal lesions (DML) represent a significant challenge in contemporary orthopedic practice due to their severe impact on joint function. Despite their high prevalence, no description has been conducted regarding the pattern of hospital discharges associated with this condition following the pandemic. This study aims to fill this gap by quantifying the actual healthcare burden and providing an empirical basis to guide resource planning. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted examining national records of hospital discharges associated with ICD-10 code S83.2 (meniscal tear) between 2021 and 2024. Data were obtained from the Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS) and the National Institute of Statistics (INE), enabling the calculation of overall rates without applying adjustments for age or sex. Results: The analysis determined an average discharge rate of 25.66 per-100,000 inhabitants. The data reveal a marked asymmetry according to demographic profile: the hospital burden is strongly concentrated among males, particularly in the 45–64-year age group. Meanwhile, the average length of hospital stay showed notable consistency, reaching 1.08 days. Conclusion: The length of hospital stay showed stabilization, reflecting the consolidation of minimally invasive surgical techniques and operational efficiency, placing Chile within international standards for outpatient resolution.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Josefina Cecilia Navia Soto, Rodolfo Burgos Aguilar, Matías Alfonso González Mardones, Joaquín Marambio Pascual, Jessenia Sporman (Autor/a)

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