[Direct costs of osteoarthritis]

The aim of this study was to calculate the direct costs of illness in patients with advanced osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. Costs were reported retrospectively by a self-administered questionnaire, covering the period of 12 months prior to joint replacement. Total direct costs amounted to 2747.- euros, medical costs were 1148.- euros, and non-medical costs were 1599.- euros. Late-stage osteoarthritis is expensive because of high costs mainly from personal care and household assistance caused by severe loss of function.