Fracture-related infections of the lower extremity - Analysis of costs and their drivers

Fracture-related infection (FRI) is a feared complication in orthopaedic trauma surgery. They are associated with multiple surgical interventions and prolonged antibiotic treatment duration, and hence, increased costs. The objective of this study was to assess the costs of FRI treatment in a Tertiary Swiss Trauma Center and to identify the variables associated with increased costs.

In this retrospective cohort study, 116 patients with an FRI treated in a Swiss tertiary center between 01/2012 and 12/2019 were included. Clinical data and the costs of each hospital stay were evaluated. Predefined variables were categorized as modifiable and non-modifiable factors and examined for their influence on costs and hospital length of stay (LOS) in univariable and multivariable analyses.

The median cost per patient was 39,219 [interquartile range (IQR) 22,657 to 68,588] CHF. The median LOS was 21 [IQR 14 to 36] days. Most patients were male (67%) with a median age of 58 years [40-70]. The median duration of IV antibiotic use was 16 [9-27] days. Costs related to hospitalization (nursing and physiotherapy) accounted for the highest expenses with a relative share of 49%, whereas surgical procedures had a minor impact on the total cost with a relative share of 19%. In the univariable analysis, significant drivers of both costs and LOS were the number of FRI surgeries, the use of negative pressure wound therapy, duration of IV antibiotic treatment, and cases with a change of surgical strategy. After adjustment for patient and treatment factors, duration of IV antibiotics and change of surgical strategy were associated with higher costs.

This study illustrates the financial burden of FRI in a DRG system and identifies potential drivers for these costs. Since repeated surgeries or unplanned surgical revisions are drivers of costs, optimal pre-operative planning and coordination between the involved disciplines is key to minimize costs. Management in multidisciplinary teams that are specialized in the treatment of these complex and cost-intensive patients may therefore reduce the financial burden.