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Cost Comparison of Digital Nerve Repair Techniques
Kevin Hu1, Mica C G Williams1, Alexander J Kammien1
1From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|July 31, 2024
Summary
Nerve allografting is the most expensive digital nerve repair technique, costing significantly more than autografts. Surgeons should consider these costs alongside clinical factors for cost-effective patient care.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Health Economics
Background:
- Direct cost comparisons for digital nerve gap repair techniques are limited.
- This study addresses the cost-effectiveness of nerve allografts versus other methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the costs of different digital nerve repair techniques.
- To evaluate the cost implications of using nerve allografts.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases (2015-2020).
- Comparison of total, supply, operating room, and anesthesia charges for primary repair, autograft, conduit, and allograft.
- Multivariable regression analysis to identify cost differences.
Main Results:
- Nerve allografts were the most expensive ($35,295), followed by conduit ($25,717), autograft ($24,749), and primary repair ($18,767).
- Allografts incurred significantly higher total charges ($11,224) and supply charges ($10,484) compared to autografts.
- Usage of allografts increased from 8.8% in 2018 to 12.6% in 2020.
Conclusions:
- Nerve allografting represents the highest cost for digital nerve repair, primarily due to implant expenses.
- Surgeons should weigh the high cost of allografts against clinical benefits for optimal resource allocation.
- Considering cost is crucial for minimizing healthcare expenditure and ensuring patient access to appropriate treatments.
