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INTRODUCTION: We integrated two factors, demographic population shifts and changes in prevalence of disease, to predict future trends in demand for hand surgery in England, to facilitate workforce planning. METHODS: We analysed Hospital Episode Statistics data for Dupuytren's disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and trigger finger from 1998 to 2011. Using linear regression, we estimated trends in both diagnosis and surgery until 2030. We integrated this regression with age specific population data from the Office for National Statistics in order to estimate how this will contribute to a change in workload over time. RESULTS: There has been a significant increase in both absolute numbers of diagnoses and surgery for all four conditions. Combined with future population data, we calculate that the total operative burden for these four conditions will increase from 87,582 in 2011 to 170,166 (95% confidence interval 144,517-195,353) in 2030. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of these diseases in the ageing population, and increasing prevalence of predisposing factors such as obesity and diabetes, may account for the predicted increase in workload. The most cost effective treatments must be sought, which requires high quality clinical trials. Our methodology can be applied to other sub-specialties to help anticipate the need for future service provision.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.bjps.2014.10.011

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg

Publication Date

02/2015

Volume

68

Pages

243 - 251

Keywords

Carpal tunnel, Cubital tunnel, Dupuytren's disease, Incidence, Trigger finger, Workforce planning, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Dupuytren Contracture, Elective Surgical Procedures, England, Female, Forecasting, Hand, Health Planning, Health Services Needs and Demand, Humans, Linear Models, Male, Middle Aged, Population Dynamics, Trigger Finger Disorder, Young Adult