Cost-effectiveness of dual-mobility components in patients with displaced femoral neck fractures.

AIMS: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) with dual-mobility components (DM-THA) has been shown to decrease the risk of dislocation in the setting of a displaced neck of femur fracture compared to conventional single-bearing THA (SB-THA). This study assesses if the clinical benefit of a reduced dislocation rate can justify the incremental cost increase of DM-THA compared to SB-THA. METHODS: Costs and benefits were established for patients aged 75 to 79 years over a five-year time period in the base case from the Canadian Health Payer's perspective. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis assessed the robustness of the base case model conclusions. RESULTS: DM-THA was found to be cost-effective, with an estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of CAD $46,556 (£27,074) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Sensitivity analysis revealed DM-THA was not cost-effective across all age groups in the first two years. DM-THA becomes cost-effective for those aged under 80 years at time periods from five to 15 years, but was not cost-effective for those aged 80 years and over at any timepoint. To be cost-effective at ten years in the base case, DM-THA must reduce the risk of dislocation compared to SB-THA by at least 62%. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed DM-THA was 58% likely to be cost-effective in the base case. CONCLUSION: Treating patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture using DM-THA components may be cost-effective compared to SB-THA in patients aged under 80 years. However, future research will help determine if the modelled rates of adverse events hold true. Surgeons should continue to use clinical judgement and consider individual patients' physiological age and risk factors for dislocation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(12):1783-1790.

Cost Analysis of Dual-Mobility Constructs in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A European Payer Perspective.

Dual-mobility constructs have been shown to significantly and substantially decrease dislocations after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). The authors have previously shown that dual-mobility (DM) constructs are cost-effective given their ability to decrease dislocations and re-revision for dislocation. The goal was to report the costs of DM and large femoral head (LFH) constructs in revision THAs from a European health care payer perspective. A Markov model was constructed to analyze the costs incurred by payers in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain over 3 years in revision THAs with DM or LFH constructs. Model states and probabilities were derived from prospectively collected registry data in 302 patients who underwent revision THA with a DM or 40-mm LFH construct and were then mapped to corresponding procedural reimbursement codes and tariffs for each country. Costs were weighted average national payments for reintervention procedures performed in the 3 years following revision THA. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis examined the effect of combined uncertainty across all model parameters. During a 3-year period following revision THA, reintervention rates were 9% for DM constructs and 19% for LFH constructs (P=.01). Comparing DM and LFH constructs, cumulative incremental costs over 3-years' follow-up were £428 vs £1447 in the United Kingdom, euro 451 vs euro 1272 in Germany, euro 540 vs euro 1425 in Italy, and euro 523 vs euro 1562 in Spain, respectively. At mid-term follow-up, DM constructs used in revision THAs were associated with a significantly lower risk of reintervention, which translated to lower health care payer costs compared with LFH constructs among European health care payers. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(4):250-255.].

Can custom 3D printed implants successfully reconstruct massive acetabular defects? A 3D-CT assessment.

We report on the accuracy, measured with three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) postoperatively, in positioning custom 3D printed titanium components in patients with large acetabular defects. Twenty patients (13 females and 7 males) received custom-made acetabular implants between 2016 and 2018; the mean age was 66 years (SD = 11.6) and their mean body mass index was 28 (SD = 6.1). The median time to follow up was 25.5 months, range: 12 to 40 months. We describe a comparison method that uses the 3D models of CT-generated preoperative plans and the postoperative CT scans to quantify the discrepancy between planned and achieved component positions. Our primary outcome measures were the 3D-CT-measured difference between planned and achieved a component position in six degrees of freedom: center of rotation (CoR), component rotation, inclination (INC), and version (VER) of the cup. Our secondary outcome measures were: Oxford hip score, walking status, and complication rate. All components (100%) were positioned within 10 mm of planned CoR (in the three planes). Eighteen (95%) components were not rotated by more than 10° compared to the plan. Eleven (58%) components were positioned within 5° of planned cup angle (INC and VER). To date one complication has occurred, a periprosthetic fracture. This is the largest study in which postoperative 3D-CT measurements and clinical outcomes of custom-made acetabular components have been assessed. Accurate pre-op planning and the adoption of custom 3D printed implants show promising results in complex hip revision surgery.

Development of an Integrated Platform Using Multidisciplinary Real-World Data to Facilitate Biomarker Discovery for Medical Products.

Translational multidisciplinary research is important for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's efforts for utilizing real-world data (RWD) to enhance predictive evaluation of medical device performance in patient subpopulations. As part of our efforts for developing new RWD-based evidentiary approaches, including in silico discovery of device-related risk predictors and biomarkers, this study aims to characterize the sex/race-related trends in hip replacement outcomes and identify corresponding candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Adverse outcomes were assessed by deriving RWD from a retrospective analysis of hip replacement hospital discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Candidate SNPs were explored using pre-existing data from the Personalized Medicine Research Project (PMRP). High-Performance Integrated Virtual Environment was used for analyzing and visualizing putative associations between SNPs and adverse outcomes. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used for exploring plausibility of the sex-related candidate SNPs and characterizing gene networks associated with the variants of interest. The NIS-based epidemiologic evidence showed that periprosthetic osteolysis (PO) was most prevalent among white men. The PMRP-based genetic evidence associated the PO-related male predominance with rs7121 (odds ratio = 4.89; 95% confidence interval = 1.41-17.05) and other candidate SNPs. SNP-based IPA analysis of the expected gene expression alterations and corresponding signaling pathways suggested possible role of sex-related metabolic factors in development of PO, which was substantiated by ad hoc epidemiologic analysis identifying the sex-related differences in metabolic comorbidities in men vs. women with hip replacement-related PO. Thus, our in silico study illustrates RWD-based evidentiary approaches that may facilitate cost/time-efficient discovery of biomarkers for informing use of medical products.

Patient willingness to contribute to the cost of novel implants in total joint arthroplasty: the Canadian experience

Background: In Canada, health care is covered by provincial health insurance programs; patients do not directly participate in paying for their acute care expenses. The aim of this study is to assess the willingness of Canadian patients to contribute to the costs of novel total joint arthroplasty implants. Methods: We administered a questionnaire to patients attending an outpatient arthroplasty clinic in Ontario. In the questionnaire, the longevity and risk of complications of a "standard" implant were described. We asked if participants would be willing to contribute to the cost of 3 novel implants that had differing longevities and risks of complications compared with the standard implant. Results: One hundred and fifteen patients completed our questionnaire. Up to 62% of patients were willing to contribute a copayment to get an implant with greater longevity. Willingness to pay decreased to 40% for an implant with greater longevity but an increased risk of complications. Forty percent of participants were willing to pay for an implant with the same longevity as the standard implant but a decreased risk of complications. Participants with a higher income were more willing than other participants to contribute to the cost of a novel implant with greater longevity or lower complication rates. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that up to 62% of our sample of patients in Ontario were willing to share the costs of a novel total joint replacement implant. Willingness to pay was associated with the proposed benefits of the implant and certain patient characteristics. Our study shows that a high proportion of Canadian patients may be willing to copay to have access to new technologies.

Contexte: Au Canada, les soins de santé sont assurés par les régimes provinciaux d'assurance maladie; les patients ne participent pas directement au paiement des soins de santé actifs. Le but de cette étude était de vérifier si les patients canadiens sont prêts à contribuer au paiement de prothèses d'un type nouveau pour les arthroplasties totales. Méthodes: Nous avons administré un questionnaire à des patients d'une clinique externe d'arthroplastie en Ontario. Dans le questionnaire, on décrivait la durée de vie et les risques de complications associés à une prothèse « standard ¼. Nous avons demandé aux participants s'ils étaient ouverts à l'idée de contribuer au paiement de 3 prothèses d'un nouveau type, comportant une durée de vie et des risques de complications différents de ceux de la prothèse standard. Résultats: Cent quinze patients ont répondu à notre questionnaire. Jusqu'à 62 % des patients se sont dits prêts à contribuer à une forme de copaiement pour obtenir une prothèse plus durable. La volonté de payer diminuait à 40 % pour une prothèse plus durable mais comportant plus de risques de complications. Quarante pour cent des participants se sont dits prêts à payer pour une prothèse de même durée de vie que la prothèse standard, mais comportant moins de risques de complications. Les participants ayant un revenu plus élevé étaient davantage disposés à contribuer au paiement d'une prothèse d'un nouveau type plus durable et comportant moins de risques de complications comparativement aux autres participants. Conclusion: Cette étude a démontré que jusqu'à 62 % de notre échantillon de patients ontariens étaient prêts à partager les coûts d'une nouvelle prothèse pour arthroplastie totale. La volonté de payer était associée aux avantages présumés de la prothèse et à certaines caractéristiques des patients. Notre étude montre qu'une forte proportion de patients canadiens seraient prêts à s'engager dans un copaiement pour avoir accès à de nouvelles technologies.

A traditional hip implant is as effective as newer types for people over 65.

The studyFawsitt C, Thom H, Hunt L. Choice of prosthetic implant combinations in total hip replacement: cost-effectiveness analysis using UK and Swedish hip joint registries data. Value Health 2019;22:303-12.This study was funded by the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit Programme (project number PB-PG-0613-31032).To read the full NIHR Signal, go to https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000771/a-traditional-hip-implant-is-as-effective-as-more-expensive-newer-types-for-older-people.

Computed tomography for managing periprosthetic femoral fractures. A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic fractures (PPF) present a common cause for revision surgery after arthroplasty. The choice of performing either an osteosynthesis or revision arthroplasty depends on the orthopedic implant anchored and loosening. Standard diagnostics include x-ray imaging. CT is usually performed to confirm implant loosening in case of ambiguous diagnosis on standard x-ray imaging. This study aimed to examine the role of CT as a diagnostic modality and its implications for treatment planning and outcome. METHODS: Patients treated for PPF from January 2010 to February 2018 were included. X-ray and CT reports were analyzed to assess implant loosening. The planning for surgery and the final surgical treatment were evaluated. In addition, patient characteristics were analyzed and compared between patients with and without additional CT as a preoperative diagnostic procedure. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were eligible for the study. X-ray imaging was performed in 90.7% of cases. CT was performed in 60% of the cases as part of the preoperative diagnostic. A clear statement on implant stability or loosening could not be made in 69.1% after X-ray imaging and in 84.4% following CT imaging. Revision arthroplasty for loosened femoral prosthesis components was necessary in 40% of cases. No difference could be determined comparing patients with X-ray imaging to those with X-ray and additional CT. In both groups, operative treatment did not deviate from the preoperative planning. DISCUSSION: In two thirds of the conventional radiographic findings, no reliable evaluation of implant loosening was possible in femoral PPFs. Intriguingly, additional CT did not improve the evaluation of implant loosening. Nonetheless, CT scans are often performed if loosening assessment is unclear on regular radiographs. This fact can explain the bias CT results in comparison to regular radiography. However, software-supported CT diagnosis could help to adequately answer the question of loosened implants in PPF in the near future. Since the diagnosis of fracture and their morphology assessment is currently adequately performed using X-rays, CT shall not be considered as the gold standard.

Choice of Prosthetic Implant Combinations in Total Hip Replacement: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Using UK and Swedish Hip Joint Registries Data.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic implants used in total hip replacements (THR) have a range of bearing surface combinations (metal-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-ceramic, and metal-on-metal), head sizes (small [<36 mm in diameter] and large [≥36 mm in diameter]), and fixation techniques (cemented, uncemented, hybrid, and reverse hybrid). These can influence prosthesis survival, patients' quality of life, and healthcare costs. OBJECTIVES: To compare the lifetime cost-effectiveness of implants for patients of different age and sex profiles. METHODS: We developed a Markov model to compare the cost-effectiveness of various implants against small-head cemented metal-on-polyethylene implants. The probability that patients required 1 or more revision surgeries was estimated from analyses of more than 1 million patients in the UK and Swedish hip joint registries, for men and women younger than 55, 55 to 64, 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85 years and older. Implant and healthcare costs were estimated from local procurement prices, national tariffs, and the literature. Quality-adjusted life-years were calculated using published utility estimates for patients undergoing THR in the United Kingdom. RESULTS: Small-head cemented metal-on-polyethylene implants were the most cost-effective for men and women older than 65 years. These findings were robust to sensitivity analyses. Small-head cemented ceramic-on-polyethylene implants were most cost-effective in men and women younger than 65 years, but these results were more uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: The older the patient group, the more likely that the cheapest implants, small-head cemented metal-on-polyethylene implants, were cost-effective. We found no evidence that uncemented, hybrid, or reverse hybrid implants were the most cost-effective option for any patient group. Our findings can influence clinical practice and procurement decisions for healthcare payers worldwide.

The Role of Crosslinked Polyethylene in Reducing Aggregated Costs of Total Hip Arthroplasty in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Widespread adoption of crosslinked polyethylene for the acetabular articular surface for total hip arthroplasty has substantially reduced revision rates and dislocation rates. We aim to provide estimates of the resulting magnitude of the annual reduction in aggregated costs of total hip arthroplasty surgery in the United States. METHODS: After we obtained, from the literature, the contrasting mid-term rates of revisions and dislocations of total hip arthroplasty using conventional polyethylene vs those using crosslinked polyethylene, specifically from only registry studies and prospective, randomized controlled studies, we multiplied these incidence figures by the cost estimates of these failures to generate approximations of the cost savings in the United States from the use of crosslinked polyethylene. RESULTS: The estimates suggest that in the United States these savings might be one billion dollars per annual cohort over a 15-year duration. CONCLUSION: The use of crosslinked polyethylene has reduced substantially the overall costs of total hip arthroplasty surgery in the United States.

Are Ceramic Bearings Becoming Cost-Effective for All Patients Within a 90-Day Bundled Payment Period?

BACKGROUND: We analyzed whether the total hospital cost in a 90-day bundled payment period for ceramic-on-polyethylene (C-PE) and ceramic-on-ceramic (COC) total hip arthroplasty (THA) bearings was changing over time, and whether the cost differential between ceramic bearings and metal-on-polyethylene (M-PE) bearings was approaching the previously published tipping point for cost-effectiveness of US$325. METHODS: A total of 245,077 elderly Medicare patients (65+) who underwent primary THA between 2010 and 2015 were identified from the United States Medicare 100% national administrative hospital claims database. The total inpatient cost, calculated up to 90 days after index discharge, was computed using cost-to-charge ratios, and hospital payment was analyzed. The differential total inpatient cost of C-PE and COC bearings, compared to metal-on-polyethylene (M-PE), was evaluated using parametric and nonparametric models. RESULTS: After adjustment for patient and clinical factors, and the year of surgery, the mean hospital cost up to 90 days for primary THA with C-PE or COC was within ±1% of the cost for primary THA with M-PE bearings (P < .001). From the nonparametric analysis, the median total hospital cost was US$296-US$353 more for C-PE and COC than M-PE. Cost differentials were found to decrease significantly over time (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patient and clinical factors had a far greater impact on the total cost of inpatient THA surgery than bearing selection, even when including readmission costs up to 90 days after discharge. Our findings indicate that the cost-effectiveness thresholds for ceramic bearings relative to M-PE are changing over time and increasingly achievable for the Medicare population.

Próteses de cerâmica-polietileno para artroplastia total de quadril em pacientes jovens / Ceramic-polyethylene prostheses for total hip arthroplasty in young patients

CONTEXTO: As próteses para cirurgias de ATQ são feitas com materiais biocompatíveis, tais como cobalto, cromo-titânio e polietileno de alta densidade. Existem vários tipos de próteses, e a indicação de usar uma ou outra depende de vários fatores como a idade do paciente, a razão clínica de base para indicação da cirurgia entre outras. O início da utilização da cerâmica em ATQs data dos anos 70, quando foram empregadas as primeiras cabeças femorais de cerâmica articuladas a componentes acetabulares de polietileno. As próteses inicias compostas por alumina evoluíram, estando disponíveis hoje também aquelas de zircônia e da combinação alumina-zircônia. As vantagens alegadas para as próteses de cerâmica dizem respeito à resistência à corrosão e aos riscos, quando comparadas às metálicas, sendo ainda quimicamente inertes, sofrendo também menos desgaste oxidativo. Para os pacientes mais jovens, com maior nível de atividade física e impacto, as próteses de cerâmica supostamente trariam maiores benefícios, pelo menor desgaste associado à combinação cerâmica-polietileno. A solicitação deste relatório de avaliação de tecnologias em saúde se baseia na suposição de resultados superiores (durabilidade, menor risco de luxação e soltura) das próteses de cerâmica-polietileno quando comparadas às metálicas nas ATQs de pacientes jovens, com vistas à avaliação da incorporação das mesmas no SUS para este subgrupo de pacientes. TECNOLOGIA: Próteses de cerâmica-polietileno (cabeças de cerâmica associadas a componentes acetabulares de polietileno). PERGUNTA: Em pacientes jovens com indicação de artroplastia total de quadril, as próteses de cerâmica (cabeças de cerâmica associadas a componentes acetabulares de polietileno) são eficazes e seguras, quando comparadas às próteses metálicas (cabeças de metal associadas a componentes acetabulares de polietileno)? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: Foi realizada uma busca estruturada da literatura para identificar evidências comparativas de dois tipos de prótese para artroplastia total de quadril primária de acordo com o material de revestimento dos componentes: cerâmica-polietileno (componente cefálico ou cabeça em cerâmica associado a componente acetabular de polietileno) versus metal-polietileno (componente cefálico ou cabeça em metal associado a componente acetabular de polietileno). O objetivo principal da revisão foi tentar identificar se há benefícios clínicos significativos da prótese cerâmica-polietileno versus a prótese atualmente disponível no Sistema Único de Saúde (metal-polietileno), em particular no subgrupo de pacientes jovens, que estão sob maior risco de falha da prótese com necessidade de nova cirurgia de revisão. A revisão foi conduzida nas bases de dados Medline via Pubmed, Cochrane Library, CRD Database ­ University of York e LILACS, utilizando combinação de descritores de vocabulário controlado e palavras-chave, além de filtros para identificar revisões sistemáticas e ensaios clínicos randomizados. Na fase inicial da busca na literatura, foram identificadas duas revisões sistemáticas com metanálise (uma delas metanálise em rede, incluindo comparação indireta entre diversas combinações de próteses) que atendiam aos critérios estabelecidos para esta avaliação de tecnologia em saúde. Por esta razão, elas foram selecionadas e incluídas e a busca para ensaios clínicos randomizados individuais foi feita a partir da última data de atualização das revisões incluídas, não tendo resultado em novos registros elegíveis. A avaliação da qualidade da evidência através do sistema GRADE identificou que, para os desfechos de taxa de revisão e Harris Hip Score, a qualidade é baixa e, para o desfecho de infecção articular periprotética, a qualidade é muito baixa. As principais limitações se devem à imprecisão, caráter indireto da comparação e ausência de cegamento, para os desfechos de cirurgia de revisão e escore de desempenho da prótese, e inclusão de estudos observacionais para o desfecho de infecção. As evidências correntemente disponíveis indicam ausência de benefício clínico da prótese cerâmica-polietileno para estes desfechos, quando comparada à prótese atualmente disponível no SUS (metal-polietileno), sem significância estatística nas comparações disponíveis na literatura. Em particular, também não há evidência suficiente para concluir em favor de um benefício específico para pacientes mais jovens em termos de redução da taxa de revisão pós-falha da prótese inicial. AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA: Foi conduzida análise de custo-minimização e de impacto orçamentário para estimar o impacto econômico da incorporação da prótese cerâmica-polietileno na perspectiva do SUS como fonte pagadora. A análise realizada teve como diferencial entre as tecnologias comparadas o valor do componente cefálico empregado na prótese para ATQ primária, sendo que os demais componentes, bem como o valor da AIH principal (correspondente aos serviços hospitalares e profissionais) foram mantidos os mesmos nos dois tipos de prótese analisados. O resultado final, considerando os parâmetros e premissas adotados, foi de um custo incremental por cirurgia de R$ 2.217,95, com uma variação na análise de sensibilidade (conforme o preço do componente cefálico de cerâmica) de R$561,52 a R$6.936,52 por cirurgia. O impacto orçamentário anual variou de R$649.310,81 no primeiro ano de incorporação até R$2.927.541,78 no décimo ano após a incorporação. RECOMENDAÇÃO INICIAL DA CONITEC: Na 73ª reunião ordinária da CONITEC realizada em 5 de dezembro de 2018 a Comissão emitiu por unanimidade recomendação favorável à incorporação da prótese de cerâmica-polietileno (cabeças de cerâmica associadas a componentes acetabulares de polietileno) para pacientes com indicação de artroplastia total de quadril (ATQ) primária. A matéria segue para consulta pública com recomendação inicial de incorporação ao SUS. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: O Relatório de Recomendação da CONITEC foi disponibilizado por meio da Consulta Pública nº 79/2018 entre os dias 28/12/2018 a 16/01/2019. Foram recebidas 8 contribuições técnico-científicas e 12 contribuições de experiência ou opinião. Dentre as contribuições, com 75% de concordância total, foram identificadas 5 alusivas às evidências clínicas sobre a condição clínica em estudo, mas nenhuma delas se baseou na apresentação de evidências científicas relacionadas aos desfechos de interesse que pudessem contradizer ou ampliar a argumentação técnico-científica que embasou a recomendação preliminar da CONITEC. Das 12 contribuições recebidas de experiência ou opinião, todos se classificaram como profissionais de saúde e retratavam as experiências desses profissionais com a tecnologia em avaliação. Após apreciação das contribuições encaminhadas pela Consulta Pública e novas análises realizadas, a CONITEC entendeu que não houve argumentação suficiente para alterar sua recomendação inicial. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: Os membros da CONITEC presentes na 74ª reunião ordinária do plenário do dia 07/02/2019 deliberaram, por unanimidade, por recomendar a incorporação da prótese cerâmica-polietileno para artroplastias totais de quadril primárias em pacientes jovens, mantendo-se os códigos e valores dos respectivos procedimentos vigentes na Tabela do SUS com adequação das descrições (condicionada à equiparação de preços entre a prótese de cerâmica e as já incorporadas ao SUS).Foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº 415/2019. DECISÃO: Publica-se a Portaria nº 4, de 18 de fevereiro de 2019 pela qual se torna pública a decisão de incorporar as próteses de cerâmica-polietileno para artroplastia total de quadril em pacientes jovens, mantendo-se os códigos e valores dos respectivos procedimentos vigentes na Tabela SUS com adequação das descrições, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS. Publicada no Diário Oficial da União (DOU) nº 35, no dia 19/02/2019, seção 1, página 50 e 51.

Hip hemiarthroplasty for fractured neck of femur; a freedom of information study to assess national variation in implant selection and procurement.

INTRODUCTION: During 2016, according to the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD), over 65,000 patients suffered a hip fracture of which approximately half underwent hemiarthroplasty. Clear guidelines exist on the usage of proven cemented implants. The Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Report highlighted the financial implications of 'unwarranted variation' and stressed the importance of rationalising and standardising service provision, in particular implant usage. The primary aims of this study were to investigate the variation in hip hemiarthroplasty implant usage and associated costs. We hypothesised there to be large variation in implants used and procurement costs. METHODS: Freedom of Information Requests (FOI) were sent to all 177 hospitals listed in the 2017 NHFD Report as treating hip fracture patients. All hospitals were asked for their most commonly used hemiarthroplasty implant and the cost of this, per patient. RESULTS: One hundred sixty six (94%) responses were received. Eighty four (51%) provided implant name and cost, 78 (47%) provided implant name but refused costs and 4 (3%) refused to provide any details. Nineteen different prostheses were used nationally with 20 hospitals using a non-ODEP (Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel) 10A implant. Average total cost was £725.00 (range £71-£1378). Significant cost variation was demonstrated for the same implants; one implant was £978.19 at it's most costly and £285.59 at it's cheapest. DISCUSSION: The aims of this study have been met. We have demonstrated huge variation in the implants used for hip hemiarthroplasty and their costs. Notwithstanding the nuances of departmental procurement processes, the financial implications for this variation are significant. CONCLUSIONS: This article demonstrates a requirement for rationalisation of implant usage and procurement in order to potentially improve patient outcomes and provide opportunities for significant cost saving in an already overstretched health service.

Use of the Corail stem for revision total hip arthroplasty: evaluation of clinical outcomes and cost

Background: With the growing number of total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures performed, revision surgery is also proportionately increasing, resulting in greater health care expenditures. The purpose of this study was to assess clinical outcomes and cost when using a collared, fully hydroxyapatite-coated primary femoral stem for revision THA compared to commonly used revision femoral stems. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients who underwent revision THA with a primary stem between 2011 and 2016 and matched them on demographic variables and reason for revision to a similar cohort who underwent revision THA. We extracted operative data and information on in-hospital resource use from the patients' charts to calculate average cost per procedure. Patient-reported outcomes were recorded preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Results: We included 20 patients in our analysis, of whom 10 received a primary stem and 10, a typical revision stem. There were no significant between-group differences in mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, Harris Hip Score, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) Mental Composite Scale score or Physical Composite Scale score at 1 year. Operative time was significantly shorter and total cost was significantly lower (mean difference ­3707.64, 95% confidence interval ­5532.85 to ­1882.43) with a primary stem than with other revision femoral stems. Conclusion: We found similar clinical outcomes and significant institutional cost savings with a primary femoral stem in revision THA. This suggests a role for a primary femoral stem such as a collared, fully hydroxyapatite-coated stem for revision THA.

Contexte: Avec le nombre croissant d'interventions pour prothèse de hanche (PTH) effectuées, la chirurgie de révision est aussi proportionnellement en hausse, ce qui entraîne des coûts supérieurs pour le système de santé. Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer les résultats cliniques et le coût associés à l'emploi d'une prothèse fémorale primaire à collerette entièrement recouverte d'hydroxyapatite pour la révision de PTH, comparativement à d'autres prothèses d'usage courant utilisées pour les révisions. Méthodes: Nous avons identifié rétrospectivement les patients ayant subi une révision de PTH avec une prothèse primaire entre 2011 et 2016 et nous les avons assortis selon les caractéristiques démographiques et le motif de la révision à une cohorte similaire soumise à une révision de PTH. Nous avons extrait les données sur l'opération et sur l'utilisation des ressources hospitalières à partir des dossiers des patients pour calculer le coût par intervention. Les résultats déclarés par les patients ont été notés avant l'intervention et 1 an après. Résultats: Nous avons inclus 20 patients dans notre analyse, dont 10 ont reçu une prothèse primaire et 10, une révision de prothèse typique. On n'a noté aucune différence significative entre les groupes pour ce qui est du score WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) moyen pour l'arthrose, du score de Harris pour la hanche, ou des sous-échelles santé mentale ou santé physique à 1 an du questionnaire SF-12 (12-Item Short Form Health Survey). L'intervention a duré significativement moins longtemps et le coût a été significativement moindre (différence moyenne ­3707,64, intervalle de confiance de 95 % ­5532,85 à ­1882,43) avec une prothèse primaire qu'avec les autres prothèses de révision. Conclusion: Nous avons observé des résultats cliniques similaires et des économies significatives pour l'établissement avec la prothèse primaire utilisée pour la révision de PTH. Cela donne à penser que la prothèse fémorale primaire, par exemple, à collerette et entièrement recouverte d'hydroxyapatite, aurait un rôle à jouer pour la révision de PTH.

Cost Analysis of Dual-Mobility Versus Large Femoral Head Constructs in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to report healthcare payer costs of dual-mobility (DM) and large femoral head (LFH) constructs in revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs). METHODS: A Markov model was constructed to analyze costs of re-interventions incurred by Medicare and private payers over a 3-year time horizon in patients who underwent unilateral revision THA with DM (n = 126) or LFH (n = 176) implants. Model states and probabilities were derived from prospectively collected registry data. Medicare costs were estimated as the weighted-average national Medicare payment for revision THA. Private payer costs were estimated by using a multiplier of Medicare costs. RESULTS: Over a 3-year period following revision THA, re-interventions were performed in 11 (9%) DM patients and 34 (19%) LFH patients, costing $263-$1898 in DM THAs and $1285-$3946 in LFH THAs for Medicare. When compared to LFH implants, DM constructs were less costly to Medicare and private payers, resulting in cost differentials of $1536 and $2611, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: At mid-term follow-up, DM constructs utilized in revision THAs were associated with 11% lower absolute risk of re-intervention and payer savings of $1500-$2500 per case when compared to LFH constructs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic and decision analysis, Level III.

Lack of consensus on optimal acetabular cup orientation because of variation in assessment methods in total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION:: Dislocation is 1 of the main reasons for revision of total hip arthroplasty but dislocation rates have not changed in the past decades, compromising patients' well-being. Acetabular cup orientation plays a key role in implant stability and has been widely studied. This article investigates whether there is a consensus on optimal cup orientation, which is necessary when using a navigation system. METHODS:: A systematic search of the literature in the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed (March 2017) to identify articles that investigated the direct relationship between cup orientation and dislocation, including a thorough evaluation of postoperative cup orientation assessment methods. RESULTS:: 28 relevant articles evaluating a direct relation between dislocation and cup orientation could not come to a consensus. The key reason is a lack of uniformity in the assessment of cup orientation. Cup orientation is assessed with different imaging modalities, different methodologies, different definitions for inclination and anteversion, several reference planes and distinct patient positions. CONCLUSIONS:: All available studies lack uniformity in cup orientation assessment; therefore it is impossible to reach consensus on optimal cup orientation. Using navigation systems for placement of the cup is inevitably flawed when using different definitions in the preoperative planning, peroperative placement and postoperative evaluation. Further methodological development is required to assess cup orientation. Consequently, the postoperative assessment should be uniform, thus differentiating between anterior and posterior dislocation, use the same definitions for inclination and anteversion with the same reference plane and with the patient in the same position.

Patient positioning and cup orientation during total hip arthroplasty: assessment of current UK practice.

INTRODUCTION:: Acetabular cup orientation during total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a challenge. This is influenced by patient positioning during surgery and the method used to orientate the acetabular cup. The aim of this study was to assess current UK practice for patient positioning and cup orientation, particularly with respect to patient supports and techniques used to achieve target version and inclination. METHODS:: A literature review and pilot study were initially conducted to develop the questionnaire, which was completed by British Hip Society members ( n = 183). As the majority of THA surgical procedures within the UK are performed with the patient in lateral decubitus, orthopaedic surgeons who operated with the patient in the supine position were excluded ( n = 18); a further 6% were incomplete and also excluded ( n = 11). RESULTS:: Of those who operated in lateral decubitus, 76.6% ( n = 118/154) used the posterior approach. Only 31% ( n = 47/154) considered their supports to be completely rigid. More than 35% ( n = 55/154) were unhappy with the supports that they presently use. The most common methods for controlling operative inclination and version were a mechanical alignment guide (MAG; n = 78/154; 50.6%) and the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL; n = 82/154; 53.2%); 31.2% (48/154) used a freehand technique to control operative inclination. CONCLUSION:: Limited studies have been conducted whereby patient supports have been analysed and key design principles outlined. With 35.7% of the orthopaedic surgeons surveyed having issues with their current supports, a greater awareness of essential characteristics for patient supports is required.

A Modified Strategy Using Barbed Sutures for Wound Closure in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Self-Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND Barbed suture has reported time-saving and safety benefits for wound closure in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, this technique requires further investigation. The aim of this study was to use a prospective, randomized, self-controlled study to further determine the efficiency and safety of this technology and to introduce our modified suturing method through a randomized, self-controlled trial. MATERIAL AND METHODS From August 2015 to December 2016, 84 patients (hip 46, knee 38) who had undergone primary simultaneous bilateral total knee or hip arthroplasties were enrolled in this study. Barbed sutures were randomized and used on one side, and traditional sutures (Vicryl) were used on the other side. RESULTS Closure time was shorter with the barbed sutures: 6.25 min (12.00 min vs. 18.25 min, p=0.000) for hip and 5.54 min (13.18 min vs. 18.71 min, p=0.000) for knee. There was no difference in the complication rate for the 2 groups. The total cost of our suturing strategy (Quill) was 872.3 RMB, which is 375.1 RMB higher than the total cost of the standard suture method (Vicryl). However, the traditional barbed suturing method (Quill) cost 2195.6 RMB. CONCLUSIONS Barbed suturing was a fast and safe method for wound closure in TJA. We also recommend our modified suturing strategy, especially in countries where operation cost was not associated with operation time.

The cost-effectiveness of dual mobility in a spinal deformity population with high risk of dislocation: a computer-based model.

AIMS: The routine use of dual-mobility (DM) acetabular components in total hip arthroplasty (THA) may not be cost-effective, but an increasing number of patients undergoing THA have a coexisting spinal disorder, which increases the risk of postoperative instability, and these patients may benefit from DM articulations. This study seeks to examine the cost-effectiveness of DM components as an alternative to standard articulations in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A decision analysis model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using DM components in patients who would be at high risk for dislocation within one year of THA. Direct and indirect costs of dislocation, incremental costs of using DM components, quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) values, and the probabilities of dislocation were derived from published data. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was established with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000/QALY. Sensitivity analysis was used to examine the impact of variation. RESULTS: In the base case, patients with a spinal deformity were modelled to have an 8% probability of dislocation following primary THA based on published clinical ranges. Sensitivity analysis revealed that, at its current average price ($1000), DM is cost-effective if it reduces the probability of dislocation to 0.9%. The threshold cost at which DM ceased being cost-effective was $1180, while the ICER associated with a DM THA was $71 000 per QALY. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that under specific clinical and economic thresholds, DM components are a cost-effective form of treatment for patients with spinal deformity who are at high risk of dislocation after THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1297-1302.

Acetabular reconstruction using a cage in complex primary total hip replacement in a developing country: An assessment of early functional outcome.

BACKGROUND: Acetabular reconstruction following bone loss is a major challenge facing the arthroplasty surgeon. Traditionally, the armamentarium for the treatment of large bone defects (Paprosky Type 2C or 3) included antiprotrusio cages (APC). The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of presentation and assess the early functional outcome of patients who had undergone acetabular reconstruction using APC in complex primary total hip replacement (THR). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between November 2008 and November 2015, 38 THR were carried out in 35 patients who required acetabular reconstruction, at Davidson and Judith Consultants Clinics Enugu, Nigeria. RESULTS: There were 25 males and 10 females, with a ratio of 2.5:1. The average age of the patients was 61.33 ± 6.92 with a range of 56 to 72. The mean pre-op Harris score was 49.02 ± 2.3.The mean post-op Harris hip score (HSS) was 88.75 ± 10 (P < 0.001) at one year and 92.25 ± 13 (P < 0.001) at 5 years. The etiology showed that most (52.63%) of our patients had primary osteoarthritis with Type 3 acetabular defect. Two (5.26%) patients had the following complications: dislocation (2.63%) and screw breakage (2.63%). The minimum follow-up period was 5 years. DISCUSSION: After follow-up at 1 year and 5 years, the hips showed significant improvement concerning pain, gait, and mobility based on HHS and were able to return to their various professions. CONCLUSION: APC provides a satisfactory solution for patients who present with acetabular deficiency in complex primary THR.