Cost-effectiveness of total knee replacement: a prospective cohort study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Health Economics
• Osteoarthritis Research

Background:

• Total knee replacement (TKR) rates are rising, necessitating economic evaluations.
• The cost-effectiveness and societal benefits of TKR for knee osteoarthritis (OA) require clear establishment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an economic evaluation of TKR in patients diagnosed with knee OA.
• Assess the cost-effectiveness of TKR from a societal perspective.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month prospective cohort study of 212 knee OA patients undergoing TKR.
• Utilized hospital billing data and patient-reported costs (direct/indirect).
• Measured pain and function using WOMAC; calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

Main Results:

• The total incremental cost per TKR was $20,133.
• ICERs ranged from $25,255 to $56,908 for varying levels of WOMAC improvement.
• Patient time lost was the most significant variable in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions:

• Total knee replacement is an effective treatment for reducing pain and enhancing function in knee OA patients.
• TKR demonstrates cost-effectiveness across different improvement thresholds.