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Does a Reduced Secondary Operation Rate Offset Higher Implant Charges when Utilizing Suture Button Fixation for
Christopher D Flanagan1, Eric Solomon2, Joseph Michalski1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of South Florida, Orthopaedic Trauma Service, Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Tampa, FL.
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma
|August 24, 2022
Summary
Suture button fixation for syndesmotic injuries may be more cost-effective than screw fixation due to lower rates of secondary operations, potentially offsetting higher initial implant costs.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Trauma surgery
- Health economics
Background:
- Syndesmotic injuries often accompany rotational ankle fractures.
- Current fixation methods include screws and suture buttons.
- The cost-effectiveness of different fixation methods requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the overall cost of suture button fixation versus screw fixation for syndesmotic injuries.
- To determine if reduced secondary operation rates with suture buttons offset higher initial implant costs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 327 patients with rotational ankle fractures requiring syndesmotic fixation.
- Comparison of implant charges and secondary operation charges between suture button and screw fixation groups.
- Analysis of implant removal rates and associated factors.
Main Results:
- The screw fixation group had a significantly higher implant removal rate (17.6% vs. 5.7%).
- Suture button fixation was associated with a lower rate of secondary operations.
- Calculations suggested a potential 31.5% cost savings for suture buttons when considering reduced secondary operations.
Conclusions:
- Reduced secondary operation rates with suture button fixation can offset higher initial implant costs.
- Surgeons should consider institutional removal rates when choosing fixation methods.
- Suture button fixation presents a potentially cost-effective option for syndesmotic injuries.
