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Costs related to hip disease in patients eligible for total hip arthroplasty
Ola Rolfson1, Oskar Ström, Johan Kärrholm
1Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
Hip disease incurs substantial annual costs of $7666 per patient, primarily due to lost productivity. Longer waits for total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery significantly increase these economic burdens.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Health Economics
- Public Health
Background:
- Hip disease presents a significant economic challenge for patients awaiting total hip arthroplasty (THA).
- Understanding the direct and indirect costs associated with hip disease is crucial for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the direct and indirect economic costs for patients with hip disease eligible for THA.
- To identify factors associated with higher healthcare costs in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 2635 patients eligible for THA completed a resource utilization questionnaire.
- Costs were calculated using official statistics and market prices.
- Regression analysis was employed to identify cost determinants.
Main Results:
- The average annual cost per patient was US$ 7666.
- Factors associated with increased costs included working age, female gender, comorbidity, and waiting times over 90 days.
- Loss of productivity was identified as the principal cost component.
Conclusions:
- Hip disease imposes a substantial economic burden on patients awaiting THA, with productivity loss being a major factor.
- Extended waiting times for THA are linked to elevated patient costs.
- The study provides essential cost data for health economic analyses and policy guidance.
Abstract:
This study was designed to estimate direct and indirect costs incurred by hip disease in patients eligible for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Before THA, 2635 patients completed a questionnaire regarding the use of resources because of their hip disease. Costs were assigned using official statistical sources or market prices. Annual costs amounted to US$ 7666 per patient. In a regression analysis, higher annual costs were associated with working age, female gender, comorbidity, and operation waiting time more than 90 days (P < .005). The burden of disease for THA candidates is extensive, where loss of productivity is the principal cost. Long wait for surgery is associated with increased costs. This study provides baseline cost data, which will be useful for further health economic analyses and could provide guidance for health care decision makers.
