The economic impact of open lower limb fractures in the Netherlands: a cost-of-illness study

To estimate the one-year sum of direct costs related to open lower limb fracture treatment in an academic setting in the Netherlands. The secondary objective was to estimate the impact of deep infection and nonunion on one-year total direct costs.

A multi-center, retrospective cost analysis of open lower limb fractures treated in an academic setting in the Netherlands, between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018, was conducted. The costing methodology was based on patient level aggregation using a bottom-up approach. A multiple linear regression model was used to predict the total costs based on Fracture-related-infections, multitrauma, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, Gustilo-Anderson grade and nonunion.

Overall, 70 fractures were included for analysis, the majority Gustilo-Anderson grade III fractures (57%). Median (IQR) one-year hospital costs were €31,258 (20,812-58,217). Costs were primarily attributed to the length of hospital stay (58%) and surgical procedures (30%). The median length of stay was 16 days, with an increase to 50 days in Fracture-related infections. Subsequent costs (46,075 [25,891-74,938] vs. 15,244 [8970-30,173]; p = 0.002), and total hospital costs (90,862 [52,868-125,004] vs. 29,297 [21,784-40,677]; p < 0.001) were significantly higher for infected cases. It was found that Fracture-related infection, multitrauma, and Gustilo-Anderson grade IIIA-C fractures were significant predictors of increased costs.

In treatment of open lower limb fractures, deep infection, higher Gustilo-Anderson classification, and multitrauma significantly increase direct hospital costs. Considering the impact of infection on morbidity and total healthcare costs, future research should focus on preventing Fracture-related infections.