Editorial Commentary: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Costs Are Surprising

Given increasing health care costs and clinical equipoise on numerous topics, value calculations are critical. Cost-minimization analysis evaluates throughout a single episode of care. For anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, this is a reasonable approach given that cost-effectiveness data have been published. Using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data, general anesthesia, anesthesia time, greater age, and medical comorbidities were correlated with higher costs. Among the surprising results were increased costs with male gender and Hispanic race. Interestingly, the location of the surgery, surgery center versus hospital, or meniscal repair did not significantly impact costs. This information can be used by physicians for cost comparison and factors that determine costs.