[Cost-benefit of various treatments for patients with distal radius fracture]

Fractures of the distal third of the radius seriously impair quality of life and have high economic and social costs, and families face the high costs of care in our country. There are only a few studies evaluating the direct medical and non-medical costs resulting from distal radius fractures, from the patient perspective.

Determine the treatment-related costs and their relation with the benefits provided by the treatment.

A total of 120 patients with distal radius fracture were enrolled; they were divided into two groups based on their treatment, which included a cast and surgery with an angular stability plate, both provided by the hand surgery and microsurgery services; treatment-related costs were analyzed: Bed days, surgery, implant, cast, visit to the doctor, disability days and rehabilitation.

80% were females, mean age was 50 years, the patients' disability cost time was estimated using the 2007 minimum wage for geographic area "A". The mean surgical treatment-related expenses amounted to $ 9,850, with a mean cost for disability days of $8,462. In the case of conservative treatment, mean expenses were $1,075, with a mean cost for disability days of $16,004; however, the return to the family economy took longer and involved delayed wrist mobility.