National variation in referral and surgical management of incident cervical disc herniation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Cervical disc herniation (CDH) in working-age adults may cause substantial functional impairment. But knowledge is sparse on their transition from primary care to specialist evaluation, and whether regional differences in referral pathways influence management and outcome.

Aim

To examine regional variation in CDH referral pathways, surgical rates, and work capacity outcomes in Denmark's five healthcare regions.

Methods

Using national registry data, we identified 4,322 individuals aged 18-65 with incident CDH in 2017, defined as the first presentation to specialist health care with no CDH record in the preceding year. Patients were stratified by region and by department type at the first contact (medical, surgical, or emergency) in the specialized health c

SUBMITTER: Kjeldgaard M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12672605 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature