Compensation claims following anterior cruciate ligament injuries reported to the patient insurance company in Sweden in 2005-2014.

Background and purpose - Patients in the Swedish healthcare system are insured against avoidable adverse events via Landstingens Ömsesidiga Försäkringsbolag (LÖF). We assessed the reasons for compensation claims reported to LÖF following an ACL injury. Patients and methods - We searched the LÖF database for compensation claims related to ACL injuries reported in 2005-2014, and cross-matched claims with the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register. We then performed a review of the medical records. Results - We identified 530 eligible claims in 2005-2014. 352 (66%) claims were accepted by LÖF and 178 claims were rejected. Accepted claims corresponded to fewer than 1% of ACL surgeries performed in the same period. The most common reasons for an accepted claim were postoperative septic arthritis followed by suboptimal surgery and delay in diagnosis and treatment. Interpretation - There are different reasons for accepting a compensation claim following an ACL injury, which represents different treatment errors that can be avoided.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with ToggleLoc with ZipLoop system versus transfix system: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament tears using either ToggleLoc with ZipLoop or Transfix systems. METHODS: This study is a cost-effectiveness analysis of patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, ToggleLoc with ZipLoop and Transfix systems in our clinic between 2011 and 2016. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study of patient's demographic, clinical and financial data. The effectiveness of surgery on patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was determined by the Lysholm Knee Score Scale. We compared two systems with the cost-effectiveness ratio. RESULTS: In this study, 103 patients were included. According to the Lysholm Knee Score Scales in both groups, the findings showed that there was no difference in effectiveness between them. The ToggleLoc with ZipLoop technique was cost-effectiveness ratio 254,57 and the Transfix technique cost-effectiveness ratio was 378,33. CONCLUSION: According to our results, ToggleLoc with ZipLoop technique was a more cost-effective method than the Transfix technique in the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Increased Prevalence and Associated Costs of Psychiatric Comorbidities in Patients Undergoing Sports Medicine Operative Procedures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of preoperatively diagnosed psychiatric comorbidities and the impact of these comorbidities on the healthcare costs of ten common orthopaedic sports medicine procedures. METHODS: Patients undergoing 10 common sports medicine procedures from 2007 to 2017q1 were identified using the Humana claims database. These procedures included anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; medial collateral ligament repair/reconstruction; Achilles repair/reconstruction; Rotator cuff repair; meniscectomy/meniscus repair; hip arthroscopy; arthroscopic shoulder labral repair; patellofemoral instability procedures; and shoulder instability repair. Patients were stratified by preoperative diagnoses of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Cohorts included patients with ≥1 psychiatric comorbidity (psychiatric) versus those without psychiatric comorbidities (no psychiatric). Differences in costs across groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests, with significance defined as P < .05. Linear regression analysis was used to assess rates of procedures per year from 2006 to 2016. RESULTS: In total, 226,402 patients (57.7% male) from 2007 to 2017q1 were assessed. The prevalence of ≥1 psychiatric comorbidity within the entire database was 10.31% (reference) versus 21.21% in those patients undergoing the 10 investigated procedures. Patients with psychiatric comorbidity most frequently underwent rotator cuff repair (28%), hip labral repair (26.3%) and meniscectomy/meniscus repair (25.0%%) had ≥1 psychiatric comorbidity. Compared with the no psychiatric cohort, diagnosis of ≥1 psychiatric comorbidity was associated with increased health care costs for all 10 sports medicine procedures ($9678.81 vs $6436.20, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of preoperatively diagnosed psychiatric comorbidities among patients undergoing orthopaedic sports medicine procedures is high. The presence of psychiatric comorbidities preoperatively was associated with increased postoperative costs following all investigated orthopaedic sports medicine procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; retrospective comparative study.

Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Provides a Lower and More Accurate Assessment of Costs in the Field of Orthopaedic Surgery Compared With Traditional Accounting Methods.

PURPOSE: To analyze the implementation and benefits of time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) in the field of orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: We performed a search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase in March 2020, using the following terms: "Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing," "TDABC," "Orthopaedic Surgery," and "Cost." Then we selected the studies that used the TDABC methodology to generate costs for a particular aspect of orthopaedic surgery. The included studies were divided into the following 5 main categories for ease of analysis: joint arthroplasty, trauma, hand, electronic medical record (EMR) implementation, and pediatric. We analyzed the overall ability of TDABC in the field of orthopaedic surgery, compared to the standard costing methods. RESULTS: We included a total of 19 studies that implemented the TDABC methodology to generate a cost, which was compared to traditional accounting methods. The orthopaedic subspecialty with the most amount of TDABC implementation has been the field of joint arthroplasty. In these studies, the authors have noted that TDABC has provided a more granular breakdown of costs and has calculated a lower cost compared with traditional accounting methods. CONCLUSION: TDABC is a powerful cost analysis method that has demonstrated benefit over the activity-based costing (ABC) approach in determining a lower and more accurate cost of orthopaedic procedures. Furthermore, the TDABC method generates an average cost reduction of $10,000 and $12,000 for total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty, respectively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TDABC can allow health care administration to better determine and understand the cost drivers of particular orthopaedic procedures at their institutions. With improved estimates on the true cost of an activity, hospital administrators and department chairs can adjust to ensure cost-effective, patient-centered health care.

Acute reconstruction results in less sick-leave days and as such fewer indirect costs to the individual and society compared to delayed reconstruction for ACL injuries.

PURPOSE: To compare the total number of sick-leave days caused by the knee injury from the day of injury and over the first year between acute (within 8 days) and delayed (6-10 weeks) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and also assess other clinical outcomes during this period. METHODS: Seventy patients with an acute ACL injury and Tegner level of 6 or more were randomized to acute (within 8 days) or delayed (after 6-10 weeks) ACLR. Patient-reported outcomes; objective IKDC and manual stability measurements were assessed at 6 and 12 months. With data from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) information about the number of sick-leave days due to the knee injury over the following 12 months was collected and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent received compensation for sick leave (26 in the acute versus 23 in the delayed group). The mean number of sick-leave days for the acute group was significantly lower (M = 56.9, SD = 36.4) compared to the delayed group (M = 88.5, SD = 50.2), p < 0.05. The acute group was also significantly stronger in flexion in both slow and fast angle velocities according to Biodex®. No other differences were found between the groups in other clinical assessments or in terms of associated injuries. CONCLUSION: Acute and delayed ACLR provided comparable clinical outcomes after 12 months. Acute reconstruction resulted in less sick-leave days and as such fewer indirect costs to the individual and society. These findings suggest that if patients requiring ACLR can be identified early and ACLR can be performed in the acute phase, socioeconomic costs can potentially be reduced by minimizing time off work. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Autograft or allograft for reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament: a health economics perspective.

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of allografts versus autografts in the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligaments. METHODS: Systematic review of comparative clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness analysis. RESULTS: Both autograft and allograft reconstruction are highly effective. Recent studies show little difference in failure rates between autografts and allografts (about 6% and 7%, respectively). In cost-effectiveness analysis, the price differential is the main factor, making autografts the first choice. However, there will be situations, particularly in revision ACL reconstruction, where an allograft may be preferred, or may be the only reasonable option available. CONCLUSION: In ACL reconstruction, clinical results with autografts are as good as or slightly better than with allografts. Allografts cost more, indicating that autografts are more cost-effective and should usually be first choice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

What Are the Primary Cost Drivers of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the United States? A Cost-Minimization Analysis of 14,713 Patients.

PURPOSE: To analyze the individual costs associated with anterior crucial ligament reconstruction (ACLR), accounting for patient demographics, perioperative decision making, and location of the surgical procedure (hospital vs ambulatory surgery center), utilizing a cost-minimization analysis in a large national database. METHODS: Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression were performed to determine which patient and surgical variables were the largest cost drivers for ACLR in the United States according to the State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Database. RESULTS: The average cost for ACLR (n = 14,713) was $24,707 (standard deviation, $15,644). When patient variables were considered, younger age (P < .001), male sex (P < .001), Hispanic ethnicity (P < .001), number of chronic medical conditions (P < .001), Medicare insurance (P < .001), and quartile of household income (P < .001) were all associated with higher costs after ACLR. For operative variables, time spent in the operating room (P < .001), meniscal repair (P < .001), and use of general anesthesia alone (P < .001) were all associated with higher costs for ACLR. There was no significant difference between cost of surgery performed at a private surgery center and cost at a hospital-owned center. In the multivariate regression, the 3 variables with the greatest influence on cost of ACLR were use of isolated general anesthesia (associated with an increase of $2,049), Hispanic ethnicity ($1,828), and >1 chronic medical condition ($1,749). Male sex, time in operating room, and older age also significantly increased ACLR cost. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest contributor to cost of ACLR was the use of general anesthesia alone. Time spent in the operating room increased ACLR cost by $108 per minute. Patient factors included greater age, male sex, Hispanic ethnicity, number of chronic medical conditions, Medicare insurance, and annual income. Meniscal repair and regional nerve block did not significantly affect cost as determined by multivariate regression.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Meniscal Repair Versus Partial Meniscectomy in the Setting of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To compare the cost-effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with meniscal repair to ACL reconstruction with partial meniscectomy. METHODS: A decision-analytic Markov disease progression model with a 40-year horizon was created simulating outcomes after both meniscal repair and partial meniscectomy at the time of ACL reconstruction. Event probabilities, costs, and utilities were used for the index procedures. The development of osteoarthritis and subsequent knee replacement were either calculated or selected from published literature. Difference in cost, difference in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effective ratio were calculated to determine which index procedure is most cost-effective. RESULTS: There is total direct cost from ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair of $17,898 compared with that with partial meniscectomy of $24,768 (cost savings of $6,870). There was an estimated gain of 18.00 QALYs after ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair compared with 17.16 QALYs with partial meniscectomy (increase of 0.84 QALYs). In this scenario, meniscus repair is the dominant index procedure at the time of ACL reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Meniscal repair at the time of ACL reconstruction is more cost-effective than partial meniscectomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, economic and decision analysis.

Similar cost-utility for double- and single-bundle techniques in ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The aim was to estimate the cost-utility of the DB technique (n = 53) compared with the SB (n = 50) technique 2 years after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: One hundred and five patients with an ACL injury were randomised to either the Double-bundle (DB) or the Single-bundle (SB) technique. One hundred and three patients (SBG n = 50, DBG n = 53) attended the 2-year follow-up examination. The mean age was 27.5 (8.4) years in the SBG and 30.1 (9.1) years in the DBG. The cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was used as the primary outcome. Direct costs were the cost of health care, in this case outpatient procedures. Indirect costs are costs related to reduce work ability for health reasons. The cost-utility analysis was measured in terms of QALY gained. RESULTS: The groups were comparable in terms of clinical outcome. Operating room time was statistically significantly longer in the DBG (p = 0.001), making the direct costs statistically significantly higher in the DBG (p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in QALYs between groups. In the cost-effectiveness plane, the mean difference in costs and QALYs from the trial data using 1000 bootstrap replicates in order to visualise the uncertainty associated with the mean incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) estimate showed that the ICERs were spread out over all quadrants. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curve showed that there was a 50% probability of the DB being cost-effective at a threshold of Euro 50,000. CONCLUSION: The principal findings are that the DB is more expensive from a health-care perspective. This suggests that the physician may choose individualised treatment to match the patients' expectations and requirements.

Chondral Injuries and Irreparable Meniscal Tears Among Adolescents With Anterior Cruciate Ligament or Meniscal Tears Are More Common in Patients With Public Insurance.

BACKGROUND: Access to health care services is a critical component of health care reform and may differ among patients with different types of insurance. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose was to compare adolescents with private and public insurance undergoing surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and/or meniscal tears. We hypothesized that patients with public insurance would have a delayed presentation from the time of injury and therefore would have a higher incidence of chondral injuries and irreparable meniscal tears and lower preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores than patients with private insurance. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients under 21 years of age undergoing ACL reconstruction and/or meniscal repair or debridement from January 2013 to March 2016 at a single pediatric sports medicine center. Patients were identified by a search of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. A chart review was performed for insurance type; preoperative diagnosis; date of injury, initial office visit, and surgery; preoperative IKDC score; intraoperative findings; and procedures. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 119 patients (mean age, 15.0 ± 1.7 years). Forty-one percent of patients had private insurance, while 59% had public insurance. There were 27 patients with isolated meniscal tears, 59 with combined meniscal and ACL tears, and 33 with isolated ACL tears. The mean time from injury to presentation was 56 days (range, 0-457 days) in patients with private insurance and 136 days (range, 0-1120 days) in patients with public insurance ( P = .02). Surgery occurred, on average, 35 days after the initial office visit in both groups. The mean preoperative IKDC score was 53 in both groups. Patients with meniscal tears with public insurance were more likely to require meniscal debridement than patients with private insurance (risk ratio [RR], 2.3; 95% CI, 1.7-3.1; P = .02). Patients with public insurance were more likely to have chondral injuries of grade 2 or higher (RR, 4.4; 95% CI, 3.9-5.0; P = .02). CONCLUSION: In adolescent patients with ACL or meniscal tears, patients with public insurance had a more delayed presentation than those with private insurance. They also tended to have more moderate-to-severe chondral injuries and meniscal tears, if present, that required debridement rather than repair. More rapid access to care might improve the prognosis of young patients with ACL and meniscal injuries with public insurance.

Allograft Augmentation of Hamstring Autograft for Younger Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Younger patients and those with smaller hamstring autograft diameters have been shown to be at significantly greater risk of graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. To date, there is no information in the literature about the clinical success and/or cost-effectiveness of increasing graft diameter by augmenting with semitendinosus allograft tissue for younger patients. HYPOTHESIS: Hybrid hamstring grafts are a cost-effective treatment option because of a reduced rate of graft failure. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (economic and decision analysis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients younger than 18 years who had undergone ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon between 2010 and 2015. During this period, the operating surgeon's graft selection algorithm included the use of bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autografts for the majority of patients younger than 18 years. However, hamstring autografts (hamstring) or hybrid hamstring autografts with allograft augment (hybrid) were used in skeletally immature patients and in those whom the surgeon felt might have greater difficulty with postoperative rehabilitation after BTB graft harvest. Patient demographics, graft type, graft diameter, the time the patient was cleared to return to activity, and the need for secondary surgical procedures were compared between the hamstring and hybrid groups. The clinical results were then used to assess the potential cost-effectiveness of hybrid grafts in this select group of young patients with an ACL injury or reconstruction. RESULTS: This study comprised 88 patients (hamstring group, n = 46; hybrid group, n = 42). The 2 groups did not differ in terms of age, sex, timing of return to activity, or prevalence of skeletally immature patients. Graft diameters were significantly smaller in the hamstring group (7.8 vs 9.9 mm; P < .001), which corresponded with a significantly greater rate of graft failure (13 of 46 [28.3%] vs 5 of 42 [11.9%]; P = .049). As a result of the reduced revision rate, the hybrid graft demonstrated incremental cost savings of US$2765 compared with the hamstring graft, and the hybrid graft was the preferred strategy in 89% of cases. CONCLUSION: Driven by increased graft diameters and the reduced risk of revision, hybrid grafts appear to be a more cost-effective treatment option in a subset of younger patients with an ACL injury.

Outpatient versus inpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Efforts to reduce the financial costs related to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) include reducing the length of hospitalization of the patient undergoing ACLR. However, it is unclear if inpatient and outpatient ACLR differ in terms of safety, satisfaction, costs and clinical outcomes. AIM: To systematically review and synthesize the literature that directly compared costs and outcomes after outpatient and inpatient ACLR. METHODS: Studies that directly compared outcomes of inpatient and outpatient ACLR were retrieved via searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. Random effects meta-analysis and descriptive analysis were performed for relevant outcomes. RESULTS: Costs analysis suggests that outpatient ACLR may be a cost effective procedure with savings ranging from $1371 to $7390. There were no differences for systemic and local complications p=0.64 (odds ratio 1.65, 95% confidence interval 0.20 to 13.49) and p=0.72 (0.81, 0.26 to 2.56) respectively, or pain in the second and seventh days after surgery, p=0.78 (mean difference -0.16; 95% confidence interval -1.28 to 0.96) and p=0.44 (0.48, -0.75 to 1.71), respectively. However, the outpatient group had less pain than the inpatient group in the first and third days after surgery, p=0.0001 (-0.39, -0.57 to -0.21) and p=0.0001(-0.39, -0.39 to -0.20), respectively. Descriptive analysis revealed that the outpatient group experienced similar or better satisfaction, strength and knee function compared to the inpatient group. CONCLUSION AND KEY FINDINGS: Complications, pain, satisfaction, knee function and strength are similar or better after outpatient compared to inpatient ACLR. Furthermore, cost savings may be achieved with outpatient ACLR. However, included studies presented low methodological quality and the quality of evidence was very low, so these results need to be confirmed by future studies. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42015024990).

National Age and Gender-Specific Costs in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction by A Single Nationwide Private Payer.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament tears are an unfortunate, but common, event in the United States, with an estimated 100-300,000 reconstructions performed annually. Limited literature has been published analyzing the reimbursement patterns for the reconstruction of this ligament and, thus, cost-effectiveness studies have relied mainly on data from a limited number of subjects and hospitals. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to perform an epidemiological cost analysis of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions and to analyze and describe the reimbursement patterns for this procedure that can be used as reference for future cost-analysis studies. We conducted a retrospective review of a large private payers insurance company records to identify patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) between 2007 and 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was achieved through a structured query of the database with the use of current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Inclusion criteria for this study were patients housed in the insurer database between the ages of 10 and 59. Reimbursements were calculated at the day of surgery and the 90-day global period. Statistical analysis was based on growth and cohort comparison according to demographic. The consumer price index (CPI) of the Bureau of Labor Statistics was used to calculate inflation. RESULTS: The adjusted mean same-day costs were $11,462 (standard deviations [SD] of $869) for female patients and $12,071 (SD of 561) for males (p=0.07), with no significant difference among same-day costs in either females (p=0.023 for ages 10 to 34 and p=0.037 for ages 35 to 59) or males (p=0.46 for ages 10 to 34 and p=0.26 for ages 35 to 59). The adjusted mean 90-day costs were $14,569 (SD of $835) for females and $14,916 (SD of $780) for males, with no significant difference among 90-day costs in either females (p=0.229 for ages 10 to 34 and p= 0.386 for ages 35 to 39) or males (p=0.425 for ages 10 to 34 and p=0.637 for ages 35 to 39). A matched-age cost analysis demonstrated that gender did not play a significant role in costs (p<0.01 for all groups). CONCLUSION: In the setting of arthroscopic ACLR, both same-day and 90-day costs do not significantly differ between age-matched males and females.

Patient Perceptions of Reimbursement for Arthroscopic Meniscectomy and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Historically, patient perceptions of surgeon reimbursement have been exaggerated compared with actual reimbursement. There is limited information about patient perceptions of physician reimbursement for arthroscopic meniscectomy and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This study evaluated patient perceptions of physician reimbursement for these procedures and compared perceptions of health care reform between urban and suburban clinics. Surveys were given to 231 consecutive patients, and patients were asked how much they believed a surgeon should be reimbursed for arthroscopic meniscectomy and ACL reconstruction as well as their perception of actual Medicare reimbursement to physicians. Patients were then informed of the actual reimbursement rates and asked additional questions about health care reform. Survey responses were compared in an urban setting vs a suburban setting. On average, patients reported that surgeons should receive $8096 for meniscectomy and $11,794 for ACL reconstruction. Patients estimated that Medicare paid physicians $5442 for meniscectomy and $6667 for ACL reconstruction. In addition, 65% of patients believed that reimbursement for meniscectomy was too low, and 57% of patients believed that reimbursement for ACL reconstruction was too low. Fewer than 2% of patients believed that surgeon salaries should be cut, and 75% believed that orthopedic surgeons should be paid more for subspecialty training. No differences were found in patients' perceptions of reimbursement or health care reform between urban and suburban settings. Patients perceived that the values of meniscectomy and ACL reconstruction were substantially higher than current Medicare reimbursement values and that surgeon salaries should not be cut. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(5):e904-e910.].

Regional Anesthesia Is Cost-Effective in Preventing Unanticipated Hospital Admission in Pediatric Patients Having Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Published studies have shown a benefit of regional anesthesia (RA) in preventing unplanned hospital admissions (UHAs) and decreasing hospital costs after orthopedic surgeries in adults but not pediatric patients. We performed a retrospective analysis to assess the effect of converting from an opioid to RA-based approach to pain management after pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: The records of patients having ACL reconstruction were reviewed. Two groups, those with (n = 115) and without (n = 39) nerve blocks, were identified. Single-shot blocks or indwelling catheters were performed in the operating room (OR) or a block room. Time to discharge readiness, postoperative opiate and antiemetic consumption, hospital admission or discharge, and complications were recorded. The cost of providing RA, the change in UHA and postanesthesia care unit utilization, and subsequent financial impact were calculated. RESULTS: Regional anesthesia-based pain management was associated with a lower rate of UHA (P = 0.045), less time in postanesthesia care unit phase II (P = 0.013), and a reduction in opioid consumption (P < 0.001). Use of a dedicated RA team with a dedicated block room resulted in cost savings or neutrality, whereas RA catheters placed in the OR were associated with increased direct hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS: Regional anesthesia for pain after ACL repair in pediatric patients facilitated reliable same-day surgery discharge and significantly reduced UHAs. Single-shot blocks and blocks performed outside the OR were the most cost-effective. In addition, nerve block patients required less opioids and were ready for discharge sooner.

Economic Analyses in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Qualitative and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: As the health care system in the United States (US) transitions toward value-based care, there is an increased emphasis on understanding the cost drivers and high-value procedures within orthopaedics. To date, there has been no systematic review of the economic literature on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). PURPOSE: To evaluate the overall evidence base for economic studies published on ACLR in the orthopaedic literature. Data available on the economics of ACLR are summarized and cost drivers associated with the procedure are identified. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: All economic studies (including US-based and non-US-based) published between inception of the MEDLINE database and October 3, 2014, were identified. Given the heterogeneity of the existing evidence base, a qualitative, descriptive approach was used to assess the collective results from the economic studies on ACLR. When applicable, comparisons were made for the following cost-related variables associated with the procedure for economic implications: outpatient versus inpatient surgery (or outpatient vs overnight hospital stay vs >1-night stay); bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft versus hamstring (HS) graft source; autograft versus allograft source; staged unilateral ACLR versus bilateral ACLR in a single setting; single- versus double-bundle technique; ACLR versus nonoperative treatment; and other unique comparisons reported in single studies, including computer-assisted navigation surgery (CANS) versus traditional surgery, early versus delayed ACLR, single- versus double-incision technique, and finally the costs of ACLR without comparison of variables. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies were identified and included; of these, 17 included studies were cost identification studies. The remaining 7 studies were cost utility analyses that used economic models to investigate the effect of variables such as the cost of allograft tissue, fixation devices, and physical therapy, the percentage and timing of revision surgery, and the cost of revision surgery. Of the 24 studies, there were 3 studies with level 1 evidence, 8 with level 2 evidence, 6 with level 3 evidence, and 7 with level 4 evidence. The following economic comparisons were demonstrated: (1) ACLR is more cost-effective than nonoperative treatment with rehabilitation only (per 3 cost utility analyses); (2) autograft use had lower total costs than allograft use, with operating room supply costs and allograft costs most significant (per 5 cost identification studies and 1 cost utility analysis); (3) results on hamstring versus BPTB graft source are conflicting (per 2 cost identification studies); (4) there is significant cost reduction with an outpatient versus inpatient setting (per 5 studies using cost identification analyses); (5) bilateral ACLR is more cost efficient than 2 unilateral ACLRs in separate settings (per 2 cost identification studies); (6) there are lower costs with similarly successful outcomes between single- and double-bundle technique (per 3 cost identification studies and 2 cost utility analyses). CONCLUSION: Results from this review suggest that early single-bundle, single (endoscopic)-incision outpatient ACLR using either BPTB or HS autograft provides the most value. In the setting of bilateral ACL rupture, single-setting bilateral ACLR is more cost-effective than staged unilateral ACLR. Procedures using CANS technology do not yet yield results that are superior to the results of a standard surgical procedure, and CANS has substantially greater costs.

Characteristics of inpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions and concomitant injuries.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this epidemiologic study was to quantify the incidence, expense, and concomitant injuries for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) procedures in the USA from 2003 to 2011 that required an inpatient stay. It was hypothesized that the relative reported rates of concomitant knee injuries would be greater with the MCL and menisci compared to all other concomitant knee injuries. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample from 2003 to 2011 was retrospectively sampled using ICD-9-CM codes to identify ACLR patients and to extrapolate national averages. RESULTS: Between the years of 2003-2011, an average of 9,037 ± 1,728 inpatient hospitalization included ACLRs, of which 4,252 ± 1,824 were primarily due to the ACLR. Inpatient visits primarily due to ACLR involved an average hospitalization of 1.7 ± 0.2 days and cost $30,118 ± 9,066 per patient. Knee injuries that were commonly reported along with inpatient ACLRs included medial meniscus damage (18.1 %), lateral meniscus damage (16.8 %), collateral ligament repairs (12.3 %), and medial collateral ligament strains (6.9 %). Prevalence of meniscus injuries was consistent across years, but MCL-related injuries increased over time. CONCLUSIONS: ACLR-related inpatient hospitalizations account for approximately 7.1 % of the total ACLRs performed annually in the USA. Inpatient ACLR procedures continue to decrease in frequency; however, the mean cost per patient increased. Meniscus and collateral ligament injuries were the most commonly reported concomitant knee injuries. The clinical relevance of this investigation is that it informs, on a large clinical cohort of patients, the current state of incidence and expense for ACLR surgeries in an inpatient setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, retrospective study, Level II.

Review of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction cost variance within a regional health care system.

BACKGROUND: Examination of value in health care has become a national priority in the United States. Regional variation in health care costs is an area of focus among national policy experts. Procedural cost data can be used to provide physicians with information to evaluate costs and value. PURPOSE: To perform a cost review for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery to document the degree of variation in costs for ACL reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A procedural cost review was performed for isolated ACL reconstructions within a 22-surgeon, 7-hospital system. Five consistent cost categories under the influence of the surgeon were identified and were analyzed for cost variation among surgeons: tibial fixation, femoral fixation, graft choice, sutures, and tools or disposable instruments. RESULTS: For these 5 categories, the total costs to perform an ACL reconstruction (in 2013 US dollars) ranged from $392.80 to $4670.31, a difference of $4277.51 and a mean of $2039.09. Tibial fixation costs ranged from $95.00 to $760.00 (mean, $293.52). Femoral fixation ranged from $95.00 to $865.00 (mean, $367.14). The graft cost ranged from $1275.00 to $2545.75 (mean, $1976.43). Suture prices for each individual suture varied from $1.19 to $46.00 (mean, $18.26). Tools and disposable supplies ranged from $40.10 to $2136.00 (mean, $452.33). CONCLUSION: There were substantial differences in ACL reconstruction costs in the implant and disposable instruments categories. As health systems and physicians collaborate to improve health care quality and value for patients, information on cost variation will be important. Rational variation in health care cost is appropriate, reflecting variation due to the unique requirements of procedures and patient-centered care. Irrational variations in procedural costs are those that do not add additional value.

Computer-assisted navigation in ACL reconstruction is attractive but not yet cost efficient.

PURPOSE: Conventional reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has a high success rate. Computer-assisted navigation systems (CANSs) have been developed to further improve the accuracy of tunnel positioning. What is the economic impact from the hospital perspective? METHODS: Patients having a first ACL reconstruction procedure were included in a prospective multicentre open controlled study comparing two groups: CANS versus conventional surgery. The primary clinical efficacy criterion was the objective International Knee Documentation Committee score at 1-2-year follow-up. Costs were collected retrospectively nationwide. RESULTS: No significant differences were found for the clinical effectiveness between conventional surgery (100 patients) and CANS (114 patients) at follow-up: ORadjusted 1.01 [0.36-2.84] (n.s). Junior surgeons achieved a significant mean decrease in operating time during the study period: 30 % in the CANS group compared with 10 % in the control group (p < 0.01). The average cost of surgery was 704 for the control group and 1,158 for the CANS group (p < 0.01). The cost of the operating room accounts for >70 % of the total cost. The surgeon's status and the technical CANS learning effect influenced this cost. The cost differential between the two groups decreased with 'CANS' expertise: 238 and 271 in 'expert' centres versus 427 to 731 in other centres. CONCLUSION: While our study demonstrates the feasibility and the potential interest of CANS for training in ACL reconstruction, from a hospital perspective it is not cost efficient at present. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic and decision analysis-developing an economic or decision model, Level II.

Prevention and screening programs for anterior cruciate ligament injuries in young athletes: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common among young athletes. Biomechanical studies have led to the development of training programs to improve neuromuscular control and reduce ACL injury rates as well as screening tools to identify athletes at higher risk for ACL injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these training methods and screening strategies for preventing ACL injuries. METHODS: A decision-analysis model was created to evaluate three strategies for a population of young athletes participating in organized sports: (1) no training or screening, (2) universal neuromuscular training, and (3) universal screening, with neuromuscular training for identified high-risk athletes only. Risk of injury, risk reduction from training, and sensitivity and specificity of screening were based on published data from clinical trials. Costs of training and screening programs were estimated on the basis of the literature. Sensitivity analyses were performed on key model parameters to evaluate their effect on base case conclusions. RESULTS: Universal neuromuscular training of all athletes was the dominant strategy, with better outcomes and lower costs compared with screening. On average, the implementation of a universal training program would save $100 per player per season, and would reduce the incidence of ACL injury from 3% to 1.1% per season. Screening was not cost-effective within the range of reported sensitivity and specificity values. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Given its low cost and ease of implementation, neuromuscular training of all young athletes represents a cost-effective strategy for reducing costs and morbidity from ACL injuries. While continued innovations on inexpensive and accurate screening methods to identify high-risk athletes remain of interest, improving existing training protocols and implementing neuromuscular training into routine training for all young athletes is warranted.