Implant Charge Differences Between Distal Radius Fixation Constructs (CPT 25607, 25608, and 25609)

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Health Economics
• Medical Device Costs

Background:

• Implants represent a significant portion of healthcare expenditures.
• Investigating cost variations in orthopedic procedures is crucial for economic analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare implant charges between extra-articular and intra-articular distal radius fractures.
• To identify risk factors associated with increased implant costs in distal radius fracture fixation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 163 patients undergoing outpatient distal radius fracture fixation.
• Stratification by Current Procedural Terminology codes and analysis of implant charges.
• Bivariate and multivariable regression to assess associations with cost.

Main Results:

• Extra-articular fractures (CPT 25607) had lower mean implant charges ($3,348) compared to intra-articular fractures (CPT 25608: $3,859; CPT 25609: $3,991).
• Intra-articular fractures incurred higher charges for distal screws/pegs and bone graft.
• Surgery at a trauma center was associated with lower charges; surgeon variation in charges was significant.

Conclusions:

• Distal radius fractures serve as a valuable model for implant cost analysis.
• Extra-articular fractures are demonstrably less expensive in terms of implant charges.
• Findings can aid in developing cost-effective treatment bundles and identifying savings opportunities.