The objective of this study was to define hospital-related healthcare costs associated with infection after fracture fixation (IFF) of the tibia and identify the subset of clinical variables relevant in driving these costs within the Belgium's healthcare system. Between January 1st 2009 and January 1st 2014, a total of 358 patients treated operatively for AO type 41, 42 and 43 tibial fractures, were included in this study. The calculated costs were related to the Belgium's healthcare financing context and limited to costs induced by hospital related care. Five main hospital-related cost categories were studied: honoraria, materials, hospitalization, day care admission, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, a total of 19 clinical and process variables were defined.Aim
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