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Cost analysis of primary total hip replacement
1Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin. keloshea@hotmail.com
Irish Medical Journal
|August 13, 2002
Summary
Total hip replacement effectively treats hip arthritis, offering significant health benefits. This study confirms it is a cost-effective investment for healthcare resources, improving patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Health Economics
Background:
- Hip arthritis causes significant patient morbidity.
- Total hip replacement (THR) is an established effective treatment for hip arthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cost utility and benefit of total hip replacement.
- To compare healthcare costs with health benefits gained from THR.
Main Methods:
- Calculated average unit cost of THR in 1999.
- Measured health benefit using Harris hip scores, WOMAC osteoarthritis indices, and SF-36 scores.
- Determined cost utility as cost per QALY (Quality-Adjusted Life Year).
- Expressed cost benefit as cost per 10-point increments in outcome scores.
Main Results:
- The average unit cost of THR was approximately £6,500 in 1999.
- Analysis focused on cost per QALY and cost per score improvement.
- THR demonstrated a favorable cost-benefit ratio.
Conclusions:
- Total hip replacement is a worthwhile investment.
- THR represents an efficient use of healthcare resources.
- The procedure provides significant health benefits relative to its cost.