Evaluation of Factors Driving Cost Variation for Distal Radius Fracture Open Reduction Internal Fixation

Distal radius fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) represents a considerable cost burden to the health care system. We aimed to elucidate demographic-, injury-, and treatment-specific factors influencing surgical encounter costs for distal radius ORIF.

We retrospectively reviewed adult patients treated with isolated distal radius ORIF between November 2014 and October 2016 at a single tertiary academic medical center. Using our institution's information technology value tools-which allow for comprehensive payment and cost data collection and analysis on an item-level basis-we determined relative costs (RC) for each factor potentially influencing total direct costs (TDC) for distal radius ORIF using univariate and multivariable gamma regression analyses.

Of the included 108 patients, implants and facility utilization costs were responsible for 48.3% and 37.9% of TDC, respectively. Factors associated with increased TDC include plate manufacturer (RC 1.52 for the most vs least expensive manufacturer), number of screws (RC 1.03 per screw) and distal radius plates used (RC 1.67 per additional plate), surgery setting (RC 1.32 for main hospital vs ambulatory surgery center), treating service (RC 1.40 for trauma vs hand surgeons), and surgical time (RC 1.04 for every 10 min of additional surgical time). Open fracture was associated with increased costs (RC 1.55 vs closed fracture), whereas other estimates of fracture severity were nonsignificant. In the multivariable model controlling for injury-specific factors, variables including implant manufacturer, and number of distal radius plates and screws used, remained as significant drivers of TDC.

Substantial variations in surgical direct costs for distal radius ORIF exist, and implant choice is the predominant driver. Cost reductions may be expected through judicious use of additional plates and screws, if hospital systems use bargaining power to reduce implant costs, and by efficiently completing surgeries.

This study identifies modifiable factors that may lead to cost reduction for distal radius ORIF.