Abstract: Objective To explore an economic and effective management strategy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in community health center. Methods 62 LDH patients treated in Xujiahui community health center (observation group), 48 LDH patients treated in Huajing community health center (control group A) and 55 LDH patients treated in Shanghai 6th People's Hospital (control group B) were included.The observation group was managed by associate professor from Shanghai 6th People's Hospital and accepted different treatment strategy in mild, medium and heavy grades. The control groups A and B were managed routinely. 3 month later, costs of illness were computed and curative effects were accessed in 3 groups. Results There was no difference in curative effects between observation group and control group B (P>0.05), but better than control group A (P<0.05). The observation group cost the least among the groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Graded treatment strategy united with tertiary hospital is an economic and effective mode for LDH management in community health center.

Key words: lumbar disc herniation, community-based rehabilitation, mode, aged, cost of illness