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Effects of Standardized Pricing for Distal Radius Implants.
Samantha Riebesell1, Michael Rivlin1, Jeremiah A Adams1
1Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Implementing a standardized price for distal radius implants significantly reduced costs by 32% without impacting screw utilization or surgical outcomes. Surgeons demonstrated flexibility in implant selection under cost-restriction models.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Health Economics
- Medical Device Management
Background:
- Orthopedic care costs, particularly for fracture fixation, are a significant financial burden.
- Distal radius fractures are common, requiring operative fixation with various implants.
- Standardizing implant costs can potentially mitigate overall healthcare expenses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a standardized shelf price on distal radius implant utilization and costs.
- To determine if cost reduction affects the number of screws used or wasted during surgery.
- To assess changes in surgeon practices and representative utility following price standardization.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 28-30 distal radius open reduction internal fixation cases before and after price standardization.
- Review of total screw counts and discarded screws per procedure.
- Surveys of ten fellowship-trained hand surgeons regarding procedural changes and representative interactions.
Main Results:
- A 32% average reduction in total implant costs was observed post-standardization.
- No statistically significant differences were found in screw utilization (total, locking, or wasted) or clinical outcomes.
- Surgeon surveys indicated negligible changes in representative availability and utility, with 20% switching implants due to cost.
Conclusions:
- Standardized pricing for distal radius implants effectively reduces costs without compromising surgical efficiency or outcomes.
- Surgeons are adaptable to implant choices when faced with cost-saving measures.
- This model demonstrates the feasibility of cost-conscious implant selection in orthopedic surgery.
