Aims. Describe a statistical and economic analysis plan for the Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial 2 (DRAFFT2) randomized controlled trial. Methods. DRAFFT2 is a multicentre, parallel, two-arm randomized controlled trial. It compares surgical fixation with K-wires versus plaster cast in adult patients who have sustained a dorsally displaced fracture of the distal radius. The primary outcome measure is the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE, a validated assessment of wrist function and pain) at 12 months post-randomization. Secondary outcomes are measured at three, six, and 12 months after randomization and include the PWRE, EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS (visual analogue scale), complication rate, and cost-effectiveness of the treatment. Results. This paper describes the full details of the planned methods of analysis and descriptive statistics. The DRAFFT2 study protocol has been published previously. Conclusion. The planned analysis strategy described records our intent to conduct statistical and within-trial cost-utility analyses. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:245–252

Aim

This paper describes the methods applied to assess the cost-effectiveness of cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty among hip fracture patients in the World Hip Trauma Evaluation Five (WHiTE5) trial.

Aims. The aim of this study was to perform the first population-based description of the epidemiological and health economic burden of fracture-related infection (FRI). Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study of operatively managed orthopaedic trauma patients from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2016, performed in Queensland, Australia. Record linkage was used to develop a person-centric, population-based dataset incorporating routinely collected administrative, clinical, and health economic information. The FRI group consisted of patients with International Classification of Disease 10th Revision diagnosis codes for deep infection associated with an implanted device within two years following surgery, while all others were deemed not infected. Demographic and clinical variables, as well as healthcare utilization costs, were compared. Results. There were 111,402 patients operatively managed for orthopaedic trauma, with 2,775 of these (2.5%) complicated by FRI. The development of FRI had a statistically significant association with older age, male sex, residing in rural/remote areas, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, lower socioeconomic status, road traffic accident, work-related injuries, open fractures, anatomical region (lower limb, spine, pelvis), high injury severity, requiring soft-tissue coverage, and medical comorbidities (univariate analysis). Patients with FRI had an eight-times longer median inpatient length of stay (24 days vs 3 days), and a 2.8-times higher mean estimated inpatient hospitalization cost (AU$56,565 vs AU$19,773) compared with uninfected patients. The total estimated inpatient cost of the FRI cohort to the healthcare system was AU$156.9 million over the ten-year period. Conclusion. The results of this study advocate for improvements in trauma care and infection management, address social determinants of health, and highlight the upside potential to improve prevention and treatment strategies. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(1):77–85

Aims. This study aims to estimate economic outcomes associated with 30-day deep surgical site infection (SSI) from closed surgical wounds in patients with lower limb fractures following major trauma. Methods. Data from the Wound Healing in Surgery for Trauma (WHiST) trial, which collected outcomes from 1,547 adult participants using self-completed questionnaires over a six-month period following major trauma, was used as the basis of this empirical investigation. Associations between deep SSI and NHS and personal social services (PSS) costs (£, 2017 to 2018 prices), and between deep SSI and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), were estimated using descriptive and multivariable analyses. Sensitivity analyses assessed the impact of uncertainty surrounding components of the economic analyses. Results. Compared to participants without deep SSI, those with deep SSI had higher mean adjusted total NHS and PSS costs (adjusted mean difference £1,577 (95% confidence interval (CI) -951 to 4,105); p = 0.222), and lower mean adjusted QALYs (adjusted mean difference -0.015 (95% CI -0.032 to 0.002); p = 0.092) over six months post-injury, but this difference was not statistically significant. The results were robust to the sensitivity analyses performed. Conclusion. This study found worse economic outcomes during the first six months post-injury in participants who experience deep SSI following orthopaedic surgery for major trauma to the lower limb. However, the increase in cost associated with deep SSI was less than previously reported in the orthopaedic trauma literature. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(5):398–403

To estimate the clinical and economic burden of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) dislocation in England. Retrospective propensity score-matched evaluation of patients with and without dislocation following primary THA using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked and Hospital Episode Statistics datasets with a 2-year follow-up. 13,044 patients with total hip replacements met the inclusion criteria (mean age 69.2, 60.9% female) of which 154 (1.18%) suffered at least one postoperative hip dislocation. The mean number of dislocations per patient was 1.44 with a maximum of 4. Approximately one-third of the patients with dislocation (32.5%) had more than one dislocation. Among patients with a hip dislocation 148 patients (96.7%) had at least one closed reduction and 20 patients (13.1%) had revision surgery. Two-year median direct medical costs were £14,748 (95% confidence interval [CI] £12,028 to £20,638) higher with vs. without dislocation (+227%). On average, patients with a dislocation had significantly greater healthcare resource utilization and significantly less improvement in EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) index (0.24 vs. 0.45; p<0.001) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (1.58 vs. 11.23; p=0.010) scores and Oxford Hip Scores (13.02 vs. 21.98; p<0.001). This is the first study to estimate the economic burden of dislocation in the UK throughout the entire patient pathway. Dislocation following total hip replacement is a costly complication, both in terms of economic costs and to the functional quality of life of the patient. Efforts to reduce the risks of dislocation should remain at the forefront of hip research

Aims. The aim of this study was to estimate the clinical and economic burden of dislocation following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in England. Methods. This retrospective evaluation used data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink database. Patients were eligible if they underwent a primary THA (index date) and had medical records available 90 days pre-index and 180 days post-index. Bilateral THAs were excluded. Healthcare costs and resource use were evaluated over two years. Changes (pre- vs post-THA) in generic quality of life (QoL) and joint-specific disability were evaluated. Propensity score matching controlled for baseline differences between patients with and without THA dislocation. Results. Among 13,044 patients (mean age 69.2 years (SD 11.4), 60.9% female), 191 (1.5%) had THA dislocation. Two-year median direct medical costs were £15,333 (interquartile range (IQR) 14,437 to 16,156) higher for patients with THA dislocation. Patients underwent revision surgery after a mean of 1.5 dislocations (1 to 5). Two-year costs increased to £54,088 (IQR 34,126 to 59,117) for patients with multiple closed reductions and a revision procedure. On average, patients with dislocation had greater healthcare resource use and less improvement in EuroQol five-dimension index (mean 0.24 (SD 0.35) vs 0.44 (SD 0.35); p < 0.001) and visual analogue scale (0.95 vs 8.85; p = 0.038) scores, and Oxford Hip Scores (12.93 vs 21.19; p < 0.001). Conclusion. The cost, resource use, and QoL burden of THA dislocation in England are substantial. Further research is required to understand optimal timing of revision after dislocation, with regard to cost-effectiveness and impact on QoL. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):811–819

With an ageing population and an increasing number of primary arthroplasties performed, the revision burden is predicted to increase. The aims of this study were to 1. Determine the revision burden in an academic hospital over a 11-year period; 2. identify the direct hospital cost associated with the delivery of revision service and 3. ascertain factors associated with increased cost. This is an IRB-approved, retrospective, single tertiary referral center, consecutive case series. Using the hospital data warehouse, all patients that underwent revision hip or knee arthroplasty surgery between 2008-2018 were identified. 1632 revisions were identified (1304 patients), consisting of 1061 hip and 571 knee revisions. The majority of revisions were performed for mechanical-related problems and aseptic loosening (n=903; 55.3%); followed by periprosthetic joint infection (n=553; 33.9%) and periprosthetic fractures (176; 10.8%). Cost and length of stay was determined for all patient. The direct in-hospital costs were converted to 2020 inflation-adjusted Canadian dollars. Several patients- (age; gender; HOMR- and ASA-scores; Hemoglobin level) and surgical- (indication for surgery; surgical site) factors were tested for possible associations. The number of revisions increased by 210% in the study period (2008 vs. 2018: 83 vs. 174). Revision indications changed over study period; with prevalence of fracture increasing by 460% (5 in 2008 vs. 23 in 2018) with an accompanying reduction in mechanical-related reasons, whilst revisions for infection remained constant. The mean annual cost over the entire study period was 3.9 MMCAD (range:2.4–5.1 MMCAD). The cost raised 150% over the study period from 2.4 MMCAD in 2008 to 3.6 MMCAD. Revisions for fractured had the greatest length of stay, the highest mean age, HOMR-score, ASA and cost associated with treatment compared to other revision indications (p < 0 .001). Patient factors associated with cost and length of stay included ASA- and HOMR-scores, Charlson-Comorbidity score and age. The revision burden increased 1.5-fold over the years and so has the direct cost of care delivery. The increased cost is primarily related to the prolonged hospital stay and increased surgical cost. For tertiary care units, these findings indicate a need to identify strategies on improving efficiencies whilst improving the quality of patient care (e.g. efficient ways of reducing acute hospital stay) and reducing the raise of the economic burden on a publicly funded health system

Introduction. Cementless total knees were historically associated with early failure. These failures, likely associated with implant design, made cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) the “gold standard”. Manufacturers have introduced newer uncemented technologies that provide good initial stability and utilize a highly-porous substrates for bony in-growth. Outcome data on these implants has been limited. In addition, these implants typically have a price premium which makes them difficult to use in the setting of cost containment and in at risk 90-day bundles. Our purpose was to compare 90-day outcomes of a new uncemented implant with those of a comparable cemented implant from the same manufacturer. We hypothesized that the implants would have equivalent 90-day clinical and economic outcomes. Methods. Ninety-day clinical and economic outcomes for 252 patients with prospectively collected data from the Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative (MARCQI) database were reviewed. Ninety-day outcomes were compared between uncemented knees and an age-matched group of cemented knees (Triathlon cemented vs uncemented Triathalon-tritanium, Stryker Orthopedics, Mahwah, NJ, USA). Both cruciate retaining and posterior stabilized designs were included. MARCQI data: demographics, co-morbidities, length of stay, complications, emergency department visits, discharge disposition, and readmissions were reviewed. Financial data provided by the hospital's finance department was used for economic comparisons. Fischer's test was done to assess categorical data and a student's t-test was used to compare numerical data. Results. Uncemented knees had shorter length of stay (1.58 vs. 1.87, p<0.0001), were more frequently discharged home (90.48% vs. 68.75%; p<0.0001) and used less home care or extended care facilities (6.35% vs. 19.14%, p<0.0001; 2.78% vs. 11.72%, p=0.0001). More uncemented knees had “no complications”. Moreover, there were no reoperations in uncemented knees, compared to 19 reoperations in cemented knees most being manipulations (14 vs. 0, p=0.0028). Uncemented knees scored better than age matched counterparts Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (63.69 vs. 47.10, n=85 and 43, p<0.0001), and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System T-physical and T-mental (44.12 vs. 39.45, n=95 and 59, p<0.0001; 51.84 vs 47.82, n=97 and 59, p=0.0018). Cemented cases were more expensive overall, the surgical costs were higher ($6806.43 vs. $5710.78 p<0.01) and the total hospital costs were higher ($8347.65 vs. $7016.11 p<0.01). The 90-day readmission and hospital outpatient costs were not significantly different between the designs. Conclusion. The use of a modern uncemented TKA implants has increased, but data on outcomes and the economic impact has been limited particularly in regard to 90-day at risk global periods. Our study suggests that patients receiving an new uncemented TKA have a shorter length of stay, higher rate of discharge to home, better patient reported outcome measures, fewer complications and fewer reoperations than an age-matched group of patients receiving a similar, cemented design during the 90-day global period. Importantly, the uncemented knees had $1,095 less surgical episode costs (p< 0.001) and a 90-day cost savings of over $1,300 (p< 0.001). Uncemented TKA, when utilizing modern technologies, is successful and economically viable for an at-risk bundle. The results of this study should alleviate fears increased cost, early failure, complications or poor outcomes with the use of a modern uncemented TKA

Background. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become one of the most commonly performed elective procedures. Today, there are nearly 50 000 annual hospitalizations for hip replacement surgery in Canada. This number is projected to increase significantly with the aging population. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the 3rd leading cause of failure following THA and is reported to occur at an incidence of 1–3%. A two-stage revision THA is the current gold standard treatment and this has a tremendous economic impact on the healthcare system. The purpose of this study is to create an accurate cost estimate of two-stage revision THA and, in turn, evaluate the economic burden of PJI as it compares to primary THA in a Canadian healthcare context. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of primary THA cases and two-stage revision THA for PJI at our institution. Patients were matched for age and BMI. We recorded all costs associated with each procedure, including: OR time, equipment, length of hospital stay, readmission rates, and any other inpatient resource use. Unit costs were obtained using administrative data from the case costing department at London Health Sciences Centre. Billing fees associated with the procedure were obtained from the Ontario Schedule of Benefits. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic characteristics of patients, hospital costs and resource use data. Patients with PJI were compared to the matched cohort of primary THA using the t-test (for continuous variables), and the chi-square test (for categorical variables). Results. Fifty consecutive cases of revision THA were matched to 50 patients who underwent uncomplicated primary THA between 2006 and 2014. Periprosthetic infection was associated with a significant increase in hospital stay (26.5 vs. 2.0; t=4.95, p<0.001), clinic visits (9.5 vs. 3.8; T= 6.49, p<0.001), readmission rates (12 vs. 1; X. 2. 11.1, p<0.001) and overall cost ($39 953 vs. $7 460; T=73, p<0.001) in comparison to the primary arthroplasty cohort. Conclusion. Two-stage revision for infected THA is a significant economic burden to the healthcare system. Our data suggests a 5-fold increase in healthcare cost when compared to primary THA. This may be an important consideration when distributing resources among Canadian tertiary care centres

Introduction. Total knee and hip arthroplasty were the main arthroplasty surgery performed in Brazil. In Brazil, around 50% of arthroplasty surgeries are performed by the public health system, knowing as SUS . 1. SUS is the biggest public and universal health system in the world, attending 100% of the Brazilian population (220 million), with 2020's expected budget of US$ 31 billion . 2,3. . The National Institute of Clinical Excellence utilizes the QALY system (Quality adjustment year life)to calculate the best cost-benefit between medical interventions . 4. In compliance with the study, an operated person has a QALY index of £5000 while a non-operated person has an index of £7182. In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemics, the Brazilian Health Ministry oriented for the postponing of elective surgery, to prioritize combating the virus . 5. This postponing, it was important but will cause an impact in the economy at the public health system from Brazil this year and in the next years. Therefore, this study aims to present the economic impact caused by COVID-19 pandemics in the public heal system, SUS, of Brazil. Methods. Data about total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Brazil were collected from the TABNET portal of the Brazilian Health Ministry/Datasus . 6. It was collected information per month about hospitalization authorization (AIH), and total cost per AIH. The information regards the period of January to June from years 2015 to 2020. Results and Discussion. After the orientation in march 2020 to postpone elective surgery, there was a reduction of up to 91% in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 76% in total hip arthroplasty (THA), compared to the same period in the previous years (see Figure 1). This represents a reduction of more than 5000 surgeries in the first semester. According to Brazilian doctors, the retention of surgeries will result in excessive demand for the sector in the upcoming months . 7. . Due to the reduction of the AIH, which occurs a reduction US$3,881,494 of the budget destined for arthroplasty surgeries in the first semester of 2020 (see Figure 2), being used to the combat of COVID-19. Consequently, the purchase of new hip and knee prostheses decreases, harming the implant sales sector in Brazil. Furthermore, by the QALY system, the cost of a non-operated patient is up to 43% bigger than that of an operated patient. Thus, this will generate an increase in the expenses of the SUS in the upcoming months or years. Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemics generate the need of postponing elective surgery of the SUS, such as total hip and knee arthroplasty. Because of this, there was a reduction of 67% of the number and expense of knee and hip arthroplasties in the first semester of 2020. This generates an economic loss for the implants companies and it will increase overly the demand for new surgeries in the upcoming months or years. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Introduction. Management of complex fractures poses a significant challenge. Evolving research and changes to national guidelines suggest better outcomes are achieved by transfer to specialist centres. The development of Major Trauma Networks was accompanied by relevant financial arrangements. These do not apply to patients with closed fractures referred for specialist treatment by similar pathways. Despite a surge in cases transferred for care, there is little information available regarding the financial impact on receiving institutions. Materials & Methods. This retrospective study examines data from a Level 1 trauma centre. Patients were identified from our electronic referral system, used for all referrals. Transferred adult patients, undergoing definitive treatment of acute isolated closed tibial fractures, were included for a 2-year period. Data was collected using our clinical and Patient Level Information and Costing (PLICS) systems including coding, demographics, treatment, length of stay (LOS), total operative time, number of operations, direct healthcare costs, and NHS reimbursements. Results. 104 patients were identified, 23 patients were treated by internal fixation and 81 with circular frames. Patients required a median of 190 minutes of total operative time and 6 days of hospital stay at a median cost of £16,233 each, median reimbursement was £10,625. The total cost of treatment for all 104 patients was £2,205,611 and total reimbursement was £1,391463, the median deficit per patient being £5825. The overall deficit over the 2 years was £814,148. Conclusions. This study reveals a considerable economic burden associated with treating complex tibial fractures. It should be emphasised that these do not include patients referred for fracture-related infection or non-union, who may also incur similar deficits in recovered costs. These findings emphasise the importance of understanding and addressing the financial implications of managing tertiary referral orthopaedic trauma patients to ensure efficient and sustainable resource allocation

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become one of the most commonly performed elective procedures. Today, there are nearly 50 000 annual hospitalisations for hip replacement surgery in Canada. This number is projected to increase significantly with the aging population. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the 3rd leading cause of failure following THA and is reported to occur at an incidence of 1–3%. A two-stage re-vision THA is the current gold standard treatment and this has a tremendous economic impact on the healthcare system. The purpose of this study is to create an accurate cost estimate of two-stage revision THA and, in turn, evaluate the economic burden of PJI as it compares to primary THA in a Canadian healthcare context. We conducted a retrospective review of primary THA cases and two-stage revision THA for PJI at our institution. Patients were matched for age and BMI. We recorded all costs associated with each procedure, including: OR time, equipment, length of hospital stay, readmission rates, and any other inpatient resource use. Unit costs were obtained using administrative data from the case costing department at London Health Sciences Centre. Billing fees associated with the procedure were obtained from the Ontario Schedule of Benefits. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the demographic characteristics of patients, hospital costs and resource use data. Patients with PJI were compared to the matched cohort of primary THA using the t-test (for continuous variables), and the chi-square test (for categorical variables). Twenty consecutive cases of revision THA were matched to 20 patients who underwent uncomplicated primary THA between 2006 and 2014. Periprosthetic infection was associated with a significant increase in hospital stay (26.5 vs. 2.0; p<0.001), clinic visits (9.5 vs. 3.8; p<0.001), readmission rates (12 vs. 1; p<0.001) and overall cost ($39 953 vs. $7 460; p<0.001) in comparison to the primary arthroplasty cohort. Two-stage revision for infected THA is a significant economic burden to the healthcare system. Our data suggests a 5-fold increase in healthcare cost when compared to primary THA. This may be an important consideration when distributing resources among Canadian tertiary care centres

Background. The economic crisis has significantly altered the quality of life in Greece. The obvious negative impact on the offered social and health services has been adequately analysed. We aimed to determine whether the economic crisis has influenced the quantity and quality of Orthopaedic research in Greece, as mirrored from the papers presented at the annual meetings of Hellenic Association of Orthopaedic Surgery between the years 2008–2014. Methods. The abstracts of the papers (oral and posters) presented in these meetings have been examined. Details regarding the department of origin were registered. We determined the level of evidence (according to the AAOS classification system), found the amount of papers that were published in PubMed journal and noted if a department of another country participated. Results. Through the years 2008–2014 the papers concerning clinical and basic orthopaedic research that were presented were 146, 207, 304, 331, 318, 234 and 191 respectively. The percentage of those that were level 1 studies was approximately 2%, 3%, 2%, 3%, 2%, 4% and 4% respectively. The percentage of level 2 studies was 2%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 1%, 3% and 0%. Level 3 studies were the 10%, 9%, 7%, 7%, 7%, 9% and 6%. The percentage of level 4 studies was 75%, 74%, 60%, 59%, 61%, 65% and 64%. Level 5 studies were the 10%, 17%, 31%, 27%, 28%, 19% and 26%. Each year, the papers that were published in PubMed were 7%, 21%, 13%, 7%, 6%, 6% and 9%. A department of another country participated in 18%, 17%, 18%, 16%, 16%, 21% and 13% of the total of papers. Conclusion. As the economic crisis deepens, the quantity of the presented papers has been reduced. More importantly, the percentage of level 1 and 2 studies has been remained steadily low. Also, we could remark a reduction on the published studies in PubMed journals. These results raise concerns about the potential impact of the crisis in the future. Level of Evidence. IV

Over 62,000 total hip arthroplasty (THA) cases are performed each year in Canada, with an estimated annual healthcare system cost of $1.4 billion and resulting in 4 billion tonnes of waste annually (6,600 tonnes per day). The aims of this study were 1) Assess satisfaction of current/standard set-up amongst different stakeholders. 2) Assess energy, economic and waste cost of current set up and apply lean methodology to improve efficiency 3. Design and test SLIM setup based on lean principles and its ability to be safely implemented into everyday practice. A Needs Assessment Survey was circulated to OR nursing staff to assess the need for change in the current THA OR setup at an academic tertiary referral hospital. Through feedback, surgeon input, and careful analysis of current instrumentation, the “SLIM setup” was created. Standard instrument tray numbers for elective THA were reduced from 9 to 3 trays. Eighty patients were then randomised to either the standard or SLIM setup. Four staff arthroplasty surgeons each randomised 20 patients to either standard or SLIM setup. OR time, blood loss, 90-day complication rates, cost/case, instrument weight (kg/case), total waste in kg/case (non-recyclable), case set-up time, and number of times and number of extra trays required were compared between groups. The majority of nursing staff demonstrated dissatisfaction with the current THA setup and felt current processes lacked efficiency. Use of the SLIM setup, was associated with the following savings in comparison to standard (Trays = −6 (720kg/case); Waste = −1.5 kg/case; Cost = − $560 ($50.00 × 6 trays + 10min saved × $26.00 /min OR setup time)). OR time, blood loss and 90-day complication rate were not statistically different (p >0.05); however, set up time was significantly shorter in comparison to standard. Extra instrumentation was opened in < 10% of cases. A more minimalist approach to THA can be undertaken using the SLIM setup, potentially resulting in cost, energy and waste savings. Estimate savings of $560,000 and 1.65 tonnes reduction in waste per 1,000 THAs performed may be realised

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a common symptom in Australian adults. In any 6-month period approximately 10% of Australian adults suffer some significant disability from low back pain. 1. One way of assessing the impact of LBP on a population is to estimate the economic costs associated with the disorder. This method is usually known as a “Cost-of-Illness” or an “Economic Burden” study. 2. The economic burden of disease is often divided into direct and indirect costs and is most often calculated using the Human Capital Method. 2. According to this method the direct costs are represented by the dollar value of the interventions required for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the disease and the indirect costs by valuing the loss of productivity due to morbidity and mortality. 2,. 3. We estimated the economic burden of LBP in Australian adults. Methods: Data sources used in this study were the 2001 Australian adult low back pain prevalence survey. 1. and a multiplicity of Commonwealth, State and Private Health instrumentalities. Using the Human Capital Method direct costs were estimated on the basis of market prices (charges) and the indirect costs by valuing the loss of productivity due to morbidity. The conservative Friction Cost Method for calculating indirect costs was also used as a comparison. 4. A sensitivity analysis was undertaken where unit prices and volume for a range of services were varied over a feasible range (10%) to review the consequent change in overall costs. Results: We estimated the direct cost of low back pain in 2001 to be AUD$1.02 Billion. Approximately 71% of this amount is for treatment by chiropractors, general practitioners, massage therapists, physiotherapists and acupuncture. However, the direct costs are minor compared to the indirect costs of AUD$8.15 Billion giving a total cost of AUD$9.17 Billion. The sensitivity analysis showed very little change in results. Discussion: The economic burden of low back pain in Australian adults represents a massive health problem. This burden is so great that it has compelling and urgent ramifications for health policy, planning and research. This study identifies that research should concentrate on the reduction of indirect costs. This is not to suggest excluding direct cost research, as it is likely that early, efficient and evidence-based management of low back pain in the first instance may lessen the indirect costs that often follow. These startling results advocate urgent Government attention to LBP as a disorder

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain (LBP) is a common symptom in Australian adults. In any six months period approximately 10% of Australian adults suffer some significant disability from low back pain. 1. One way of assessing the impact of LBP on a population is to estimate the economic costs associated with the disorder. This method is usually known as a “Cost-of-Illness” or an “Economic Burden” study. 2. The economic burden of disease is often divided into direct and indirect costs and is most often calculated using the Human Capital Method2. According to this method the direct costs are represented by the dollar value of the interventions required for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the disease and the indirect costs by valuing the loss of productivity due to morbidity and mortality. 2,. 3. We estimated the economic burden of LBP in Australian adults. METHODS: Data sources used in this study were the 2001 Australian adult low back pain prevalence survey. 1. and a multiplicity of Commonwealth, State and Private Health instrumentalities. Using the Human Capital Method direct costs were estimated on the basis of market prices (charges) and the indirect costs by valuing the loss of productivity due to morbidity. The conservative Friction Cost Method for calculating indirect costs was also used as a comparison. 4. A sensitivity analysis was undertaken where unit prices and volume for a range of services were varied over a feasible range (10%) to review the consequent change in overall costs. RESULTS: We estimated the direct cost of low back pain in 2001 to be AUD$1.02 Billion. Approximately 71% of this amount is for treatment by chiropractors, general practitioners, massage therapists, physiotherapists and acupuncture. However, the direct costs are minor compared to the indirect costs of AUD$8.15 Billion giving a total cost of AUD$9.17 Billion. The sensitivity analysis showed very little change in results. DISCUSSION: The economic burden of low back pain in Australian adults represents a massive health problem. This burden is so great that it has compelling and urgent ramifications for health policy, planning and research. This study identifies that research should concentrate on the reduction of indirect costs. This is not to suggest excluding direct cost research, as it is likely that early, efficient and evidence-based management of low back pain in the first instance may lessen the indirect costs that often follow. These startling results advocate urgent Government attention to LBP as a disorder

Due to limitations of existing pharmacological therapies for the management of chronic pain in osteoarthritis (OA), surgical interventions remain a major component of current standard of care, with total joint replacements (TJRs) considered for people who have not responded adequately to conservative treatment. This study aimed to quantify the economic burden of moderate-to-severe chronic pain in patients with OA in England prior to TJR. A retrospective, longitudinal cohort design was employed using Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD primary care data linked to Hospital Episode Statistics secondary care data in England. Patients (age ≥18 years) with an existing OA diagnosis of any anatomical site (Read/ICD-10) were indexed (Dec-2009 to Nov-2017) on a moderate-to-severe pain event (which included TJR) occurring within an episode of chronic pain. 5-year TJR rates from indexing were assessed via Kaplan-Meier estimates. All-cause healthcare resource utilisation and direct medical costs were evaluated in the 1–12 and 13–24 months prior to the first TJR experienced after index. Statistical significance was assessed via paired t-tests. The study cohort comprised 5,931 eligible patients (57.9% aged ≥65 years, 59.2% female). 2,176 (36.7%) underwent TJR (knee: 54.4%; hip: 42.8%; other: 2.8%). The 5-year TJR rate was 45.4% (knee: 24.3%; hip: 17.5%; other: 6.8%). Patients experienced more general practitioner consultations in 1–12 months pre-TJR compared with 13–24 months pre-TJR (means: 12.13 vs. 9.61; p<0.0001), more outpatient visits (6.68 vs. 3.77; p<0.0001), more hospitalisations (0.74 vs. 0.62; p=0.0032), and more emergency department visits (0.29 vs. 0.25, p=0.0190). Total time (days) spent as an inpatient was higher in 1–12 months pre-TJR (1.86 vs. 1.07; p<0.0001). Mean total per-patient cost pre-TJR increased from £1,771 (13–24 months) to £2,621 (1–12 months) (p<0.0001). Resource-use and costs incurred were substantially greater in the 12 months immediately prior to TJR, compared with 13–24 months prior. Reasons for increased healthcare and economic burden in the pre-TJR period deserve further exploration as potential targets for efforts to improve patient experience and efficiency of care

The purpose was to define the economic and health costs of waiting for total hip joint replacement surgery. A prospective cohort of 122 patients requiring primary hip arthroplasty (HA) was recruited from four hospitals in the lower North Island. Health related quality of life (HRQL), using self-completed WOMAC questionnaires, was assessed monthly from enrolment pre-operatively to six months post surgery. Monthly cost diaries were used to record medical, personal and other costs. Data was analysed using PC-SAS to test the strength of associations between costs and waiting times, and changes in HRQL pre- and post-surgery. The mean waiting time was 5.2 months and mean cost of waiting for surgery was $1,376 per person per month (pp pm) with medical, personal and social costs contributing $404, $399, and $573, respectively. Waiting more than 6 months was associated with an increased cost of $730 pp pm for a total cost of $2177 pp pm (p< 0.003). Age was correlated with greater loss of income (< 65 years) (p=0.001) and higher medical costs (< 65 years) (p=0.08). An incremental improvement over time in WOMAC scores post-operatively was identified (p=0.0001). Older age (p=0.01), community services card use (p=0.003) and a greater number of months waiting (p=0.1) were negatively correlated with post-surgical improvement after adjusting for other variables. Longer waits for HA incur greater economic costs and impact on patient recovery. This lends weight to the view that a shorter waiting time for HA significantly reduces costs to individuals and society and improves health outcomes

A large proportion of our patients are not salaried and many had expressed concerns about the amount of time taken off work following carpal tunnel surgery. Impressions were formed from information given by other health professionals or by friends and relatives who had previously undergone surgery. Some patients declined surgery because of their concerns over this particular issue. We therefore set out to challenge these traditional beliefs. This prompted us to adopt a more aggressive postoperative approach by encouraging immediate and unrestricted hand use following surgery. We found that patients were able to tolerate early activity and were able to return to work sooner than they had expected. For the purposes of this study, our aim was to identify when a return to any form of meaningful employment occurred, such that the individual was earning a salary. Consequently, we did not differentiate between the individual returning to either light or full duties. Subsequently, in a cohort of 494 patients prospectively studied, we have seen 93.1% patients return to work by two weeks and 99.4% by four weeks. This has obvious benefits in terms of reducing loss of income. Individuals undergoing surgery now do not have to be concerned with taking lengthy periods of time off work with the financial implications for them and their families. There are obvious economic implications to our findings. An individual back at work should not be claiming related sickness benefit. The Confederation of British Industry (May 2007) report a cost of £76.70 for each day an employee is off work due to sickness. An individual who is able to return to work even one week earlier than previously would have been expected following carpal tunnel surgery could theoretically produce a saving to the economy of £383. In this series there were 318 (64.4%) patients in employment indicating a potential economic saving of £121,794. Given that nationally there are about 50 000 carpal tunnel procedures carried out each year then the potential savings are significant. There may be a number of reasons for our observations. The absence of a bulky restrictive dressing and sling following surgery clearly allows immediate mobilization to occur. Our service allows the development of a close professional relationship based on trust between the operator and the patient. This ultimately reassures patients who, we believe, feeling more involved in decisions about their post-operative care, are consequently well-motivated and have the confidence to use their hand immediately following surgery. We have seen a low postoperative complication rate in this group of patients, in particular, a low incidence of swelling, stiffness and scar sensitivity. Reasons for these low complication rates are unclear, but we would suggest that early mobilisation protects patients against these particular problems

Introduction and Aims: To define the economic and health costs of waiting for THJR surgery. Method: A prospective cohort of 122 patients requiring primary total hip arthroplasty (HA) was recruited from four hospitals. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) using self-completed WOMAC questionnaires was assessed monthly from enrolment pre-operatively to six months post-surgery. Monthly cost diaries were used to record medical, personal and other costs. Data was analysed using PC-SAS to test the strength of associations between costs and waiting times, and changes in HRQL pre- and post-surgery. Results: The mean waiting time was 5.2 months, and the mean cost of waiting for surgery was NZ$1376 per person per month, with medical, personal, and social costs contributing NZ$404, NZ$399, NZ$573, respectively. Waiting for more than six months was associated with an increased cost of NZ$730 per patient per month for a total cost of NZ$2177 per patient per month. Age was correlated with greater loss of income and higher medical costs. An incremental improvement over time in WOMAC scores post-operatively was identified. Older age, community services card use and a greater number of months waiting were negatively correlated with post-surgical improvement. Conclusion: Longer waits for HA incur greater economic costs and impact on patient recovery. This shows that shorter waiting time for HA significantly reduces costs to individuals and society and improves health outcomes