Cost-effectiveness analyses in orthopaedic sports medicine: a systematic review

Cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy for traumatic meniscal tears in patients aged under 45 years

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy plus optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in young patients aged under 45 years with traumatic meniscal tears.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre, open-labelled, randomized controlled trial in patients aged 18 to 45 years, with a recent onset, traumatic, MRI-verified, isolated meniscal tear without knee osteoarthritis. Patients were randomized to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy or standardized physical therapy with an optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy after three months of follow-up. We performed a cost-utility analysis on the randomization groups to compare both treatments over a 24-month follow-up period. Cost utility was calculated as incremental costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy compared to physical therapy. Calculations were performed from a healthcare system perspective and a societal perspective.

Results

A total of 100 patients were included: 49 were randomized to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and 51 to physical therapy. In the physical therapy group, 21 patients (41%) received delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy during follow-up. Over 24 months, patients in the arthroscopic partial meniscectomy group had a mean 0.005 QALYs lower quality of life (95% confidence interval -0.13 to 0.14). The cost-utility ratio was €-160,000/QALY from the healthcare perspective and €-223,372/QALY from the societal perspective, indicating that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy incurs additional costs without any added health benefit.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is unlikely to be cost-effective in treating young patients with isolated traumatic meniscal tears compared to physical therapy as a primary health intervention. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy leads to a similar quality of life, but higher costs, compared to physical therapy plus optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

"Cost-effectiveness of ACL treatment is dependent on age and activity level: a systematic review"

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature on health-economic evaluations of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury between reconstruction surgery (ACLR) and non-operative treatment (NO) and suggest the most cost-effective strategy between the two.

METHODS

All economic studies related to ACLR versus NO post-ACL injury, either trial based or model based, published until April 2022, were identified using PubMed and Embase. The methodology of the health-economic analysis for each included study was categorized according to the four approaches: cost-minimization analysis (CMA), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), cost-benefit analysis (CBA), and cost-utility analysis (CUA). The quality of each included study was assessed using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria (CHEC) list.

RESULTS

Of the seven included studies, two compared the strategies of early ACLR and NO alone, and five compared early ACLR and NO with optional delayed ACLR. All studies performed a CUA, and one study performed a CBA additionally. The CHEC scores of the included studies can be considered good, ranging from 15 to 18 from a maximum of 19. Applying the common standard threshold of $50,000 per QALY, six studies in young people with high-activity levels or athletes showed that early ACLR would be preferred over either NO alone or delayed ACLR. Of six studies, two even showed early ACLR to be the dominant strategy over either NO alone or delayed ACLR, with per-patient cost savings of $5,164 and $1,803 and incremental per-patient QALY gains of 0.18 and 0.28, respectively. The one study in the middle-aged people with a moderate activity level showed that early ACLR was not more cost-effective than delayed ACLR, with ICER $101,939/QALY using the societal perspective and ICER $63,188/QALY using the healthcare system perspective.

CONCLUSION

Early ACLR is likely the more cost-effective strategy for ACL injury cases in athletes and young populations with high-activity levels. On the other hand, non-operative treatment with optional delayed ACLR may be the more cost-effective strategy in the middle age population with moderate activity levels.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review of level III studies.

Operative vs Nonoperative Management of Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Cost Analysis

Background

Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a common injury with a growing incidence rate. Treatment is either operative or nonoperative. However, evidence is lacking on the cost comparison between these modalities. The objective of this study is to investigate the cost differences between operative and nonoperative treatment of ATR using a large national database.

Methods

Patients who received treatment for an ATR were abstracted from the large national commercial insurance claims database, Marketscan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database (n = 100 825) and divided into nonoperative (n = 75 731) and operative (n = 25 094) cohorts. Demographics, location, and health care charges were compared using multivariable regression analysis. Subanalysis of costs for medical services including clinic visits, imaging studies, opioid usage, and physical therapy were conducted. Patients who underwent secondary repair were excluded.

Results

Operative treatment was associated with increased net and total payments, coinsurance, copayment, deductible, coordination of benefits (COB) / savings, greater number of clinic visits, radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and physical therapy (PT) sessions, and with higher net costs due to clinic visits, radiographs, MRIs, and PT (P < .001). Operative repair at an ambulatory surgical center was associated with a lower net and total payment, and a significantly higher deductible compared to in-hospital settings (P < .001). Both cohorts received similar numbers of opioid prescriptions during the study period. Yet, operative patients had a significantly shorter duration of opioid use. After controlling for confounders, operative repair was also independently associated with lower net costs due to opioid prescriptions.

Conclusion

Compared with nonoperatively managed ATR, surgical repair is associated with greater costs partially because of greater utilization of clinic visits, imaging, and physical therapy sessions. However, surgical costs may be reduced when procedures are performed in ambulatory surgery centers vs hospital facilities. Nonoperative treatment is associated with higher prescription costs secondary to longer duration of opioid use.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Comparison of two arthroscopic repair techniques for small-medium supraspinatus tendon tear: 1 triple-loaded vs 2 double-loaded metallic sutures anchors

INTRODUCTION

Surgical repair of the rotator cuff is based on the use of anchors whose ideal numbers and configurations continue to be controversial. We compared the clinical-functional results arising from the arthroscopic repair of shoulders, with small-medium lesions of the supraspinatus tendon, among patients using one anchor with three sutures, or two anchors with two sutures.

METHODS

In this retrospective study patient were resolved into 2 groups. Clinical and functional results were assessed based on Constant Score and instrumental isometric examination.

RESULTS

Patients in Group 1 experienced shoulder repair using a single anchor with three sutures (n = 21, mean age = 56 years, range = 51-65). In Group 2, patients received two anchors with two sutures each (n = 24, mean age = 59 years, range = 24-75). The mean follow-up time was 15 months. The mean values of the operated shoulders' Constant Score were 88.05 and 88.25 respectively. Examination of isometric test results in operated shoulders, healthy shoulders and the two different rotator cuff repair techniques did not reveal any statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSION

In the arthroscopic repair of small-medium supraspinatus tendon tears, the short to mid-term clinical and functional outcomes arising from use of 1 triple-loaded or 2 double-loaded metallic sutures anchors are comparable.

Particulated Juvenile Articular Cartilage and Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Are Cost-Effective for Patellar Chondral Lesions

PURPOSE

To compare the cost-effectiveness of nonoperative management, particulated juvenile allograft cartilage (PJAC), and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) in the management of patellar chondral lesions.

METHODS

A Markov model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of three strategies for symptomatic patellar chondral lesions: 1) nonoperative management, 2) PJAC, and 3) MACI. Model inputs (transition probabilities, utilities, and costs) were derived from literature review and an institutional cohort of 67 patients treated with PJAC for patellar chondral defects (mean age 26 years, mean lesion size 2.7 cm²). Societal and payer perspectives over a 15-year time horizon were evaluated. The principal outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) using a $100,000/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) willingness-to-pay threshold. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the model and the relative effects of variable estimates on base case conclusions.

RESULTS

From a societal perspective, nonoperative management, PJAC, and MACI cost $4,140, $52,683, and $83,073 and were associated with 5.28, 7.22, and 6.92 QALYs gained, respectively. PJAC and MACI were cost-effective relative to nonoperative management (ICERs $25,010/QALY and $48,344/QALY, respectively). PJAC dominated MACI in the base case analysis by being cheaper and more effective, but this was sensitive to the estimated effectiveness of both strategies. PJAC remained cost-effective if PJAC and MACI were considered equally effective.

CONCLUSIONS

In the management of symptomatic patellar cartilage defects, PJAC and MACI were both cost-effective compared to nonoperative management. Because of the need for one surgery instead of two, and less costly graft material, PJAC was cheaper than MACI. Consequently, when PJAC and MACI were considered equally effective, PJAC was more cost-effective than MACI. Sensitivity analyses accounting for the lack of robust long-term data for PJAC or MACI demonstrated that the cost-effectiveness of PJAC versus MACI depended heavily on the relative probabilities of yielding similar clinical results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, economic and decision analysis.

Methodologic and Reporting Quality of Economic Evaluations in Hand and Wrist Surgery: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Economic evaluations can inform decision-making; however, previous publications have identified poor quality of economic evaluations in surgical specialties.

METHODS

Study periods were from January 1, 2006, to April 20, 2020 (methodologic quality) and January 1, 2014, to April 20, 2020 (reporting quality). Primary outcomes were methodologic quality [Guidelines for Authors and Peer Reviewers of Economic Submissions to The BMJ (Drummond's checklist), 33 points; Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES), 100 points; Consensus on Health Economic Criteria (CHEC), 19 points] and reporting quality (Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Standards (CHEERS) statement, 24 points).

RESULTS

Forty-seven hand economic evaluations were included. Partial economic analyses (i.e., cost analysis) were the most common (n = 34; 72 percent). Average scores of full economic evaluations (i.e., cost-utility analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis) were: Drummond's checklist, 27.08 of 33 (82.05 percent); QHES, 79.76 of 100 (79.76 percent); CHEC, 15.54 of 19 (81.78 percent); and CHEERS, 20.25 of 24 (84.38 percent). Cost utility analyses had the highest methodologic and reporting quality scores: Drummond's checklist, 28.89 of 35 (82.54 percent); QHES, 86.56 of 100 (86.56 percent); CHEC, 16.78 of 19 (88.30 percent); and CHEERS, 20.8 of 24 (86.67 percent). The association (multiple R) between CHEC and CHEERS was strongest: CHEC, 0.953; Drummond's checklist, 0.907; and QHES, 0.909.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial economic evaluations in hand surgery are prevalent but not very useful. The Consensus on Health Economic Criteria and Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Standards should be used in tandem when undertaking and evaluating economic evaluation in hand surgery.

Cost Savings of Carpal Tunnel Release Performed In-Clinic Compared to an Ambulatory Surgery Center: Time-Driven Activity-Based-Costing

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to investigate carpal tunnel release (CTR) performed in the clinic versus the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) to evaluate for potential cost savings. Methods: Patients who underwent either CTR in clinic under a local anesthetic or CTR in the ASC with sedation and local anesthetic were prospectively enrolled in a registry between 2014 and 2016. All patients completed a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scale for procedural and postprocedure pain. Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) was utilized to quantify cost of both CTR in clinic and CTR in the ASC. Statistical analysis involved parametric comparative tests between patient cohorts for both the TDABC-cost and patient pain. Results: A total of 59 participants completed the postprocedure CTR survey during the study period, 23 (38.9%) in the ASC group and 36 (61.1%) in the clinic group. Overall time for the procedure from patient arrival to discharge was significantly longer for the ASC cases, averaging 215.7 minutes (range: 201-230) compared to 78.6 minutes (range: 59-98) in the clinic group (P < .01). Both procedural and postoperative VAS pain scores were comparable between clinic and ASC cohorts, procedural pain: 1.8 vs 1.9 (P = .91) and postoperative pain: 4.8 vs 4.9 (P = .88). TDABC analysis estimated ASC CTR procedures to cost an average of $557.07 ($522.06-$592.08) and clinic procedures to cost an average of $151.92 ($142.59-$161.25) (P < .05). Conclusions: CTR in the clinic setting results in significant cost savings compared to CTR in the ASC with no difference in pain scores during the procedure or postoperative period. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II.

Evolving Expectations of the Orthopedic Team Physician: Managing the Sidelines and Landmines

ABSTRACT

The role of orthopedic team physicians has evolved greatly over the past decade having been influenced by advances in sports science and performance, new surgical and biologic technologies, social media, medicolegal liability, marketing, and sexual misconduct cases by some team physicians. The great variety of events and sports that are covered from high school and collegiate to the Olympic and professional levels requires a myriad of skills outside of the traditional medical training curriculum. In the current climate of increasing media scrutiny from a 24-h news cycle it is imperative for orthopedic team physicians, whether operative or nonoperative, to continually adapt to the needs and expectations of athletes who also are patients. This is especially true in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Orthopedic team physicians' responsibilities continue to evolve ensuring their relevance and necessity on the sidelines and in the training room as well as in the operative suite.

Current Orthopaedic Health Economic Literature: Quality Is High but Ethical and Societal Perspectives Are Lacking

PURPOSE

To evaluate the quality of orthopaedic cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) in accordance with the 2016 recommendations by the Second Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine.

METHODS

A systematic review of all CEAs from September 2017 to September 2019 in the 10 highest impact orthopaedic surgery journals was performed. Quality scoring used the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) instrument and the Second Panel checklist. QHES scores ≥80 were considered high quality and <50 poor quality. Mann-Whitney U and independent samples Kruskal-Wallis tests compared individual and multiple groups, respectively. Linear regression analysis was performed to correlate QHES score, checklist item fulfillment, and impact factor.

RESULTS

The 10 highest impact orthopaedic journals published 6,323 articles with 35 (0.55%) meeting inclusion criteria. Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and sports medicine articles comprised 65.7% of included studies. Overall mean QHES score was 89.0 ± 7.6, with 82.8% considered high quality. Mean proportion of Second Panel checklist items fulfilled was 82.1% ± 13.3%, but no studies performed an impact inventory accounting for consequences within and outside the health care sector or discussed ethical implications. Mean QHES score and satisfied checklist items were significantly different by journal (P = .025 and P = .01, respectively). In addition, there was a moderate positive correlation between QHES score and impact factor (r = 0.446, P = .007). TJA CEAs satisfied a higher number of checklist items compared with spine surgery CEAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent orthopaedic CEAs have generally been high quality according to updated Second Panel guidelines but consistently miss checklist items relating to societal impact and ethics. TJA and sports medicine continue to be the most frequently studied orthopaedic subspecialties in health economics, and the breadth of orthopaedic procedures analyzed by CEAs has improved.

STUDY DESIGN

Level IV, systematic review.

Cost-effectiveness analyses in shoulder arthroplasty: a critical review using the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) instrument

HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review to identify cost-analysis studies pertaining to shoulder arthroplasty, provide a comprehensive review of published studies, and critically evaluate the quality of the available literature using the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) instrument.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify cost analyses examining shoulder arthroplasty. The inclusion criteria included studies pertaining to either shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA), total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), or reverse TSA. Articles were excluded based on the following: nonoperative studies, nonclinical studies, studies not based in the United States, and studies in which no cost analysis was performed. The quality of studies was assessed using the QHES instrument. One-sided Fisher exact testing was performed to identify predictors of both low-quality (ie, QHES score < 25th percentile) and high-quality (ie, QHES score > 75th percentile) cost analyses based on items within the QHES checklist.

RESULTS

Of the 196 studies screened, 9 were included. Seven studies conducted cost analyses comparing reverse TSA vs. arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, HA, or total hip arthroplasty, and 2 studies examined TSA vs. HA for primary glenohumeral arthritis. The average QHES score among all studies was 86.22 ± 13.39 points. Failure to include an annual cost discounting rate was associated with a low-quality QHES score (P = .03). In addition, including a discussion of the magnitude and direction of potential biases was associated with a high-quality score (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Shoulder arthroplasty is a cost-effective procedure when used to treat a multitude of shoulder pathologies. The overall quality of cost analysis in shoulder arthroplasty is relatively good, with an average QHES score of 86.22 points. Studies failing to include an annual cost discounting rate are more likely to score below the 25th percentile, whereas those including a discussion of the magnitude and direction of potential biases are more likely to achieve a score in excess of the 75th percentile.

Cost-Effectiveness of Hip Arthroscopy for Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome and Labral Tears: A Systematic Review

Background:

Hip arthroscopy has frequently been shown to produce successful outcomes as a treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears. However, there is less literature on whether the favorable results of hip arthroscopy can justify the costs, especially when compared with a nonoperative treatment.

Purpose:

To systematically review the cost-effectiveness of hip arthroscopy for treating FAI and labral tears.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, and the Tufts University Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry were searched to identify articles that reported the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) generated by hip arthroscopy. The key terms used were “hip arthroscopy,” “cost,” “utility,” and “economic evaluation.” The threshold for cost-effectiveness was set at $50,000/QALY. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies instrument and Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) score were used to determine the quality of the studies. This study was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020172991).

Results:

Six studies that reported the cost-effectiveness of hip arthroscopy were identified, and 5 of these studies compared hip arthroscopy to a nonoperative comparator. These studies were found to have a mean QHES score of 85.2 and a mean cohort age that ranged from 33-37 years. From both a health care system perspective and a societal perspective, 4 studies reported that hip arthroscopy was more costly but resulted in far greater gains than did nonoperative treatment. The preferred treatment strategy was most sensitive to duration of benefit, preoperative osteoarthritis, cost of the arthroscopy, and the improvement in QALYs with hip arthroscopy.

Conclusion:

In the majority of the studies, hip arthroscopy had a higher initial cost but provided greater gain in QALYs than did a nonoperative treatment. In certain cases, hip arthroscopy can be cost-effective given a long enough duration of benefit and appropriate patient selection. However, there is further need for literature to analyze willingness-to-pay thresholds.

Health Economic Evaluations of Hip and Knee Interventions in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment

BACKGROUND

The economic burden of musculoskeletal diseases is substantial and growing. Economic evaluations compare costs and health benefits of interventions simultaneously to help inform value-based care; thus, it is crucial to ensure that studies are using appropriate methodology to provide valid evidence on the cost-effectiveness of interventions. This is particularly the case in orthopaedic sports medicine, where several interventions of varying costs are available to treat common hip and knee conditions.

PURPOSE

To summarize and evaluate the quality of economic evaluations in orthopaedic sports medicine for knee and hip interventions and identify areas for quality improvement.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

The Medline, AMED, OVID Health Star, and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to March 1, 2020, to identify economic evaluations that compared ≥2 interventions for hip and/or knee conditions in orthopaedic sports medicine. We assessed the quality of full economic evaluations using the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) tool, which consists of 16 questions for a total score of 100. We classified studies into quartiles based on QHES score (extremely poor quality to high quality) and we evaluated the frequency of studies that addressed each of the 16 QHES questions.

RESULTS

A total of 93 studies were included in the systematic review. There were 41 (44%) cost analyses, of which 21 (51%) inappropriately concluded interventions were cost-effective. Only 52 (56%) of the included studies were full economic evaluations, although 40 of these (77%) fell in the high-quality quartile. The mean QHES score was 83.2 ± 19. Authors consistently addressed 12 of the QHES questions; questions that were missed or unclear were related to statistical uncertainty, appropriateness of costing methodology, and discussion of potential biases. The most frequently missed question was whether the cost perspective of the analysis was stated and justified.

CONCLUSION

The number of studies in orthopaedic sports medicine is small, despite their overall good quality. Yet, there are still many highly cited studies based on low-quality or partial economic evaluations that are being used to influence clinical decision-making. Investigators should follow international health economic guidelines for study design and critical appraisal of studies to further improve quality.

Estimates of Direct and Indirect Costs of Ankle Fractures: A Prospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

The quantification of the costs of ankle fractures and their associated treatments has garnered increased attention in orthopaedics through cost-effectiveness analysis. The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the direct and indirect costs of ankle fractures in operatively and nonoperatively treated patients.

METHODS

A prospective, observational, single-center study was performed. Adult patients presenting for an initial consult for an ankle fracture were enrolled and were followed until recurring indirect costs amounted to zero. Patients completed a cost form at every visit that assessed time away from work and the money spent in the last week on transportation, household chores, and self-care due to an ankle fracture. Direct cost data were obtained directly from the hospital billing department.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included in this study. With regard to patient characteristics, the mean patient age was 46.5 years, 55% of patients were female, 10% of patients had diabetes, and 17% of patients were active smokers. Weber A fractures composed 12% of fractures, Weber B fractures composed 72% of fractures, and Weber C fractures composed 18% of fractures. Operatively treated patients (n = 37) had significantly higher total costs and direct costs compared with nonoperatively treated patients (p < 0.01). In all patients, losses from missed work accounted for the largest portion of total and indirect costs, with a mean percentage of 35.8% of the total cost. The mean period preceding return to work of the 39 employed patients was 11.2 weeks. Longer periods of return to work were significantly associated with surgical fixation and having less than a college-level education (p < 0.05). The mean time for recurring observed costs to cease was 19.1 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients treated operatively and nonoperatively, the largest discrete cost component was a specific indirect cost. Indirect costs accounted for a mean of 41.3% of the total cost. Although the majority of the direct costs of ankle fractures are accrued in the period immediately following the injury, indirect cost components will regularly be incurred for nearly 5 months and often longer. To capture the full economic impact of these injuries, future research should include detailed reporting on an intervention's impact on the indirect costs of ankle fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Economic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Modelling the cost-effectiveness of total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review

Objective

Osteoarthritis causes a significant healthcare burden and the number of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures is predicted to increase significantly in the coming years. We conducted a systematic review to assess the scope and quality of all current TKA cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) studies, identify trends, and identify areas for improvement.

Methods

An electronic database search of MEDLINE, Embase, the CEA registry and Scopus was used to identify all CEA studies where TKA was used with a comparator. Studies were included from January 1, 1997 to February 2, 2020. The Quality of Health Economic Analysis Studies (QHES) instrument was used to assess their quality. Thirty-three studies were included that offered both a QALY and cost calculation. The main findings, incremental-cost effectiveness ratios and other important study characteristics were then ascertained, and trends identified.

Results

Certain surgical interventions were suggested to be more cost-effective than TKA. This included unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for unicompartmental osteoarthritis, computer-assisted TKA compared to conventional TKA, and resurfacing the patella compared to no resurfacing. TKA was more cost-effective compared to non-operative management regardless of specific patient variables.

Conclusions

The analyses of the CEAs included in the study have to be interpreted with caution. Overall, certain surgical methods within TKA and alternative methods to TKA appear to be favoured for treating particular knee osteoarthritic conditions due to their suggested greater cost-effectiveness but this should be interpreted within local contexts. Our results should help guide future policy-making as healthcare associated costs continue to rise.

Systematic evidence of health economic evaluation of drugs for postmenopausal osteoporosis: A quality appraisal

This paper systematically and critically reviewed all published economic evaluations of drugs for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. A systematic search was conducted using relevant databases for economic evaluations to include all relevant English articles published between January 2008 to January 2020. After extracting the key study characteristics, methods and outcomes, we evaluated each article using the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) and the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) instruments. A total of 49 studies met the inclusion criteria. Majority of studies were funded by the industry and reported favorable cost-effectiveness. Based on the QHES total scores, studies (n = 35) were found to be industry-funded with higher QHES mean 82.44 ± 8.69 as compared with nonindustry funding studies (n = 11) with mean 72.22 ± 17.67. The overall mean QHES scores were found to be higher 79.06 ± 11.84, representing high quality (75–100) compared to CHEERS scores (%) 75.03 ± 11.21. The statistical pairwise comparison between CHEERS mean (75.03 ± 11.21) and QHES mean (79.06 ± 11.84) were not statistically significant (P = 0.10) whereas, QHES score showed higher means as compared to CHEERS. This study suggests the overall quality of the published literatures was relatively few high-quality health economic evaluation demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of drugs for postmenopausal osteoporosis, and the majority of the literature highlights that methodological shortcoming.

Development and Validation of the Hospital for Special Surgery Anterior Cruciate Ligament Postoperative Satisfaction Survey

PURPOSE

To develop and validate a standardized patient satisfaction measurement tool for adult patients undergoing primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

METHODS

A 4-phase iterative process that included item generation and pilot survey development, item reduction, survey readability, and survey validation was used. To develop and validate the Hospital for Special Surgery ACL Satisfaction Survey (HSS ACL-SS), 70 patients were included in the survey development phase and 77 patients were included in the validation phase. The HSS ACL-SS was compared with other currently used ACLR outcome measures including the International Knee Documentation Committee score, Tegner-Lysholm score, Short Form 12 (SF-12) Mental Component Score, and SF-12 Physical Component Score. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity, and floor and ceiling effects were assessed.

RESULTS

The HSS ACL-SS consists of 10 items identified by patients as being important for satisfaction after ACLR. In the validation phase, the mean score on the HSS ACL-SS (of 50) among all patients was 37.9 ± 9.9 (range, 10-50). Statistically significant positive correlations were seen between the HSS ACL-SS score and the International Knee Documentation Committee score (r = 0.351, P = .002) and Tegner-Lysholm score (r = 0.333, P = .003). No statistically significant correlation was found between the satisfaction score and the SF-12 Mental or Physical Component Score. The lowest possible score (10 of 50 points) was achieved in 1 patient (1.3%) and the highest possible score (50 of 50 points) was achieved in 7 patients (9.1%), indicating no significant floor or ceiling effects of the instrument. Internal consistency for all 10 items was strong (Cronbach α, 0.995). The mean intraclass correlation coefficient between test and retest responses was 0.701, indicating moderate agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

The HSS ACL-SS is a validated and reliable patient-derived satisfaction measure with excellent psychometric properties for active adults undergoing ACLR. The results of this study show that the HSS ACL-SS may be a useful tool to measure postoperative patient satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, development of diagnostic or monitoring criteria in consecutive patients.

Cost Analysis in Shoulder Surgery: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Cost analysis studies in medicine were uncommon in the past, but with the rising importance of financial considerations, it has become increasingly important to use available resources most efficiently.

PURPOSE

To analyze the current state of cost-effectiveness analyses in shoulder surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review of the current literature was performed following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. All full economic analyses published since January 1, 2010 and including the terms "cost analysis" and "shoulder" were checked for usability. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine levels of evidence and established health economic criteria (Quality of Health Economic Studies [QHES] instrument).

RESULTS

A total of 34 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Compared with older studies, recent studies were of better quality: one level 1 study and eight level 2 studies were included. The mean QHES score was 87 of 100. The thematic focus of most studies (n = 13) was rotator cuff tears, with the main findings as follows: (1) magnetic resonance imaging is a cost-effective imaging strategy, (2) primary (arthroscopic) rotator cuff repair (RCR) with conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in case of failure is the most cost-effective strategy, (3) the platelet-rich plasma augmentation of RCR seems not to be cost-effective, and (4) the cost-effectiveness of double-row RCR remains unclear. Other studies included shoulder instability (n = 3), glenohumeral osteoarthritis (n = 3), proximal humeral fractures (n = 4), subacromial impingement (n = 4), and other shoulder conditions (n = 7).

CONCLUSION

Compared with prior studies, the quality of recently available studies has improved significantly. Current studies could help decision makers to appropriately and adequately allocate resources. The optimal use of financial resources will be of increasing importance to improve medical care for patients. However, further studies are still necessary.

Cost-effectiveness of Operative Versus Non-operative Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures

BACKGROUND

The management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures is controversial, and most injuries are treated with surgery in the USA. The cost utility of operative versus non-operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon injury is unclear.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of operative versus functional non-operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

METHODS

A Markov cost-utility analysis was conducted from the societal perspective using a 2-year time horizon. Hospital costs were derived from New York State billing data, and physician and rehabilitation costs were derived from the Medicare physician fee schedule. Indirect costs of missed work were calculated using estimates from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rates of re-rupture, major and minor complications, and the associated costs were obtained from the literature. Effectiveness was expressed in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). For the base-case analysis, operative and non-operative patients were assumed to have the same utilities (quality of life) following surgery. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of model assumptions.

RESULTS

In the base-case model, non-operative management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures dominated operative management, resulting in both lower costs and greater QALY gains. The differences in costs and effectiveness were relatively small. The benefit of non-operative treatment was 1.69 QALYs, and the benefit of operative treatment was 1.67 QALYs. Similarly, the total cost of operative and non-operative management was $13,936 versus $13,413, respectively. In sensitivity analyses, surgical costs and days of missed work were important drivers of cost-effectiveness. If hospitalization costs dropped below $2621 (compared with $3145) or the hourly wage rose above $29 (compared with $24), then operative treatment became a cost-effective strategy at the willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY. The model results were also highly sensitive to the relative utilities for operative versus non-operative treatment. If non-operative utilities decreased relative to operative utilities by just 2%, then operative management became the dominant treatment strategy.

CONCLUSION

For acute Achilles tendon ruptures, non-operative treatment provided greater benefits and lower costs than operative management in the base case; however, surgical costs and the economic impact associated with return to work are important determinants of the preferred cost-effective strategy.

Cost-efficacy of Knee Cartilage Defect Treatments in the United States

BACKGROUND

Multiple knee cartilage defect treatments are available in the United States, although the cost-efficacy of these therapies in various clinical scenarios is not well understood.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose was to determine cost-efficacy of cartilage therapies in the United States with available mid- or long-term outcomes data. The authors hypothesized that cartilage treatment strategies currently approved for commercial use in the United States will be cost-effective, as defined by a cost <$50,000 per quality-adjusted life-year over 10 years.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed for prospective cartilage treatment outcome studies of therapies commercially available in the United States with minimum 5-year follow-up and report of pre- and posttreatment International Knee Documentation Committee subjective scores. Cost-efficacy over 10 years was determined with Markov modeling and consideration of early reoperation or revision surgery for treatment failure.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included, with available outcomes data on microfracture, osteochondral autograft, osteochondral allograft (OCA), autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and matrix-induced ACI. Mean improvement in International Knee Documentation Committee subjective scores at final follow-up ranged from 17.7 for microfracture of defects >3 cm² to 36.0 for OCA of bipolar lesions. Failure rates ranged from <5% for osteochondral autograft for defects requiring 1 or 2 plugs to 46% for OCA of bipolar defects. All treatments were cost-effective over 10 years in the baseline model if costs were increased 50% or if failure rates were increased an additional 15%. However, if efficacy was decreased by a minimum clinically important amount, then ACI (periosteal cover) of femoral condylar lesions ($51,379 per quality-adjusted life-year), OCA of bipolar lesions ($66,255) or the patella ($66,975), and microfracture of defects >3 cm² ($127,782) became cost-ineffective over 10 years.

CONCLUSION

Currently employed treatments for knee cartilage defects in the United States are cost-effective in most clinically acceptable applications. Microfracture is not a cost-effective initial treatment of defects >3 cm². OCA transplantation of the patella or bipolar lesions is potentially cost-ineffective and should be used judiciously.

Health State Utilities in Children and Adolescents With Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee

Background:

The impact of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the knee on a child’s health-related quality of life has not previously been quantified. Preference-based health utility assessment allows patients to assign quality-of-life valuations (utilities) to different health states and conditions.

Purpose:

To determine (1) patient-reported utility scores for health states associated with pediatric OCD lesions of the knee and (2) whether these scores are associated with patient demographics or disease severity.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Children, adolescents, and young adults being treated for OCD of the knee were interviewed to assess utilities for each of the 6 health states commonly encountered in the treatment of OCD: (1) symptomatic lesion, (2) nonoperative rehabilitation, (3) postoperative rehabilitation, (4) intermediate treatment success, (5) early degenerative knee changes, and (6) successful treatment (asymptomatic). Patients were asked to assign health utilities to each state using a standardized feeling thermometer (scale, 0-100), which were converted to a health state utility (scale, 0-1 [1 = perfect health]). Utilities were reported with descriptive statistics, and comparative analyses were performed to test whether assignments were associated with patient age, sex, or whether the OCD lesion required surgical intervention.

Results:

A total of 100 participants treated or undergoing treatment for OCD were prospectively enrolled; 74% were male (n = 74). The median age at the time of survey was 15 years (interquartile range, 13-16.5 years). Utility scores were as follows: symptomatic OCD lesion, 0.15; nonoperative rehabilitation, 0.30; postoperative rehabilitation, 0.30; early degenerative changes, 0.58; intermediate treatment success, 0.65; and successful treatment, 1.0. Utility scores were not associated with age, sex, or whether the participant underwent surgical treatment for the OCD lesion.

Conclusion:

The current study quantified patient-reported utilities for 6 OCD lesion health states, which may be used for future health-related quality of life, decision analysis, and quality/safety/value studies. These utility scores were stable and not affected by patient age, sex, or treatment strategy.

A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Isolated Meniscal Repair Versus Partial Meniscectomy for Red-Red Zone, Vertical Meniscal Tears in the Young Adult

PURPOSE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of treating isolated red-red zone, vertical meniscal tears with either isolated meniscal repair (IMR) or partial meniscectomy (PM) in the young adult using conservative modeling.

METHODS

A decision-analytic Markov disease progression model with a 40-year horizon was created simulating outcomes after IMR or PM for an isolated meniscal tear. Event probabilities, costs, and utilities were used for the index procedures, and the development of osteoarthritis (OA) and subsequent need for knee arthroplasty were calculated or selected from the published literature. Differences in cost, difference in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the incremental cost effect ratio were calculated to determine which index procedure is most cost effective.

RESULTS

Total direct costs from PM were modeled at $38,648, and the total direct costs of IMR were $23,948, resulting in a projected cost savings of $14,700 with IMR. There was a modeled gain in QALYs of 17 for PM and 21 for IMR, resulting in an increase in 4 QALYs for the IMR treatment group. This results in an incremental cost effect ratio of $3,935 per QALY, favoring IMR as the dominant procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Meniscal repair for isolated red-red zone, vertical meniscal tears was predicted to have lower direct costs and improve QALYs compared with partial meniscectomy over 40-year modeling, indicating isolated meniscal repair to be the cost-effective procedure in the treatment of an isolated meniscal tear in the young adult population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3: economic and decision analysis.

A Cost-Minimization Analysis of Intraoperative Costs in Arthroscopic Bankart Repair, Open Latarjet, and Distal Tibial Allograft

Background:

The optimal surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability remains controversial.

Hypothesis:

(1) Implants and facility-related costs are the primary drivers of variation in direct costs between arthroscopic Bankart and Latarjet procedures, and (2) distal tibial allograft (DTA) is more costly than Latarjet as a function of the graft expense.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Intraoperative cost data were derived for all arthroscopic anterior stabilizations and Latarjet and DTA procedures performed at a single academic institution from January 2012 to September 2017. Cost comparisons were made between those undergoing arthroscopic stabilization and Latarjet and between Latarjet and DTA. Multivariate regressions were performed to determine the difference in direct costs accounting for various patient- and surgery-related factors.

Results:

A total of 87 arthroscopic stabilizations, 44 Latarjet procedures, and 5 DTA procedures were performed during the study period. Arthroscopic Bankart repair was found to be 17% more costly than Latarjet, with suture anchor implant cost being the primary driver of cost. DTA was 2.9-fold more costly than Latarjet, with greater costs across all domains. Multivariate analysis also found the number of prior arthroscopic procedures performed (P = .007) and whether the procedure was performed in an ambulatory or inpatient setting (P < .0001) to be significantly associated with higher direct costs.

Conclusion:

Latarjet is less costly than arthroscopic Bankart repair, largely because of implant cost. Value-driven strategies to narrow the cost differential could focus on performing these procedures in an outpatient setting in addition to reducing overall implant cost for arthroscopic procedures. Perceived potential benefits of DTA over Latarjet may be outweighed by higher costs.

Review of Pharmacoeconomic Studies in Russian Cancer Research: An Outside View

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing number of Russian economic evaluation studies in oncology, the scope and quality of which are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the scope and quality of economic evaluations in oncology, with the goal of elucidating implications for improving their use in Russia.

METHODS

Online databases were searched for oncologic economic evaluations written in Russian. Data were extracted and assessed with the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) instrument. In addition, the QHES was modified to overcome double-barreled items in a single criterion.

RESULTS

Of 29 articles identified, 15 met study criteria and were included in the review. Most studies analyzed cost-effectiveness of first- and second-line therapies for lung and kidney cancer. The others analyzed prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers and lymphoma. The QHES mean quality score for the reviewed studies was 74 (and 69 with the modified tool). Comparison of the quality of different study types revealed that cost utility studies and studies that used decision trees and Markov models had the highest mean quality score. Clear statements regarding bias, study limitations, uncertainty, study perspectives, and funding source were commonly absent in the reviewed studies.

CONCLUSION

Our review indicates that oncologic economic evaluations published in Russian are limited in scope and number. In addition, they demonstrate opportunities for improvement in several important technical areas.

Direct and indirect costs associated with nonoperative treatment for shoulder instability: an observational study in 132 patients

BACKGROUND

Shoulder instability is associated with decreased functioning. The associated costs could be substantial and interesting to clinicians, researchers, and policy makers. This prospective observational study aims to (1) estimate productivity losses and healthcare expenses following the nonoperative treatment of shoulder instability and (2) identify patient characteristics that influence societal costs.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-two patients completed a questionnaire regarding production losses and healthcare utilization following consecutive episodes of shoulder instability. Productivity losses were calculated using the friction cost approach. Healthcare utilization was evaluated using standard costs. analysis of variance test was used to assess which patient characteristics are related to productivity losses and healthcare expenses. Societal costs were assessed using multilevel analyses. Bootstrapping was used to estimate statistical uncertainty.

RESULTS

Mean productivity losses are €1469, €881, and €728 and mean healthcare expenses are €3759, €3267, and €2424 per patient per dislocation for the first, second, and third dislocation. Productivity losses decrease significantly after the second (mean difference €-1969, 95%CI= -3680 to -939) and third (mean difference €-2298, 95%CI= -4092 to -1288) compared to the first dislocation.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonoperative treatment of shoulder instability has substantial societal costs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, economic analysis.

Quality and Variability of Online Available Physical Therapy Protocols From Academic Orthopaedic Surgery Programs for Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction

Background:

Unlike the literature on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, studies on medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction lack evidence-based guidelines regarding postoperative rehabilitation. An effective postoperative protocol may contribute greatly to a successful outcome following MPFL reconstruction, yet the quality and variability of these published protocols remain unknown.

Purpose:

To assess the quality and variability of MPFL rehabilitation protocols publicly available on the internet and associated with US academic orthopaedic programs.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

All available isolated MPFL reconstruction rehabilitation protocols from US academic orthopaedic programs participating in the Electronic Residency Application Service were collected and included in this review. These protocols were evaluated for inclusion of various rehabilitation components, the timing of suggested initiation of these activities, and whether the protocol used evaluation-based guidelines.

Results:

A total of 27 protocols were included. Of these, 25 (93%) recommended immediate postoperative bracing. Time to initiation of full weightbearing ranged from 2 to 8 weeks. The most common strengthening exercises endorsed were quadriceps sets (89%), straight-legged raise (85%), and leg press (81%). The most common proprioception exercises endorsed were balance board (41%), single-legged balance (41%), and TheraBand control (33%). The median time suggested to return to play was 17 weeks. No functional test appeared in the majority of the protocols. Of the 27 protocols, 20 (74%) used evaluation-based guidelines.

Conclusion:

There is substantial variability in content and timing across rehabilitation protocols following MPFL reconstruction. This lack of clear guidelines can cause confusion among patients, therapists, and surgeons, leading to suboptimal patient outcomes and making it difficult to compare outcomes across the literature.

Evaluating meniscus allograft transplant using a cost-effectiveness threshold analysis

BACKGROUND

It is unknown if meniscal allograft transplant (MAT) delays progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Cost-effectiveness threshold analysis can demonstrate the necessary delay in OA progression required by MAT to be considered cost-effective compared to non-operative management. The purpose of this study is to identify the efficacy MAT requires in delaying progression to OA in previously meniscectomized knees in order to be considered cost-effective compared to non-operative treatment. A secondary goal is to demonstrate the influence of age and BMI on the required efficacy of MAT for cost-effectiveness.

METHODS

A Markov model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of MAT compared to non-operative management for patients with prior meniscectomy. Input parameters were identified in existing literature. Cost was derived from literature and The PearlDiver Patient Records Database. The required rate of OA progression was compared across treatment modalities to determine how effective MAT is required to be cost-effective.

RESULTS

MAT needs to be 31% more effective in delaying OA compared to non-operative interventions in order to be cost-effective. MAT is most cost-effective in 20-29 year-old patients, requiring a 25% greater efficacy in delaying OA. Obesity (BMI 30-35) makes MAT less cost-effective when compared to non-obese patients; however, the difference in required efficacy in delaying OA among obese patient when compared to non-operative management is approximately 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

MAT needs to be approximately one-third more effective in delaying OA in previously meniscectomized knees to be considered cost-effective. Younger, non-obese patients have the lowest required efficacy of MAT to be cost-effective.

Cost-utility studies in upper limb orthopaedic surgery: a systematic review of published literature

AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess the quality and scope of the current cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) literature in the field of hand and upper limb orthopaedic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE and the CEA Registry to identify CEAs that were conducted on or after 1 January 1997, that studied a procedure pertaining to the field of hand and upper extremity surgery, that were clinical studies, and that reported outcomes in terms of quality-adjusted life-years. We identified a total of 33 studies that met our inclusion criteria. The quality of these studies was assessed using the Quality of Health Economic Analysis (QHES) scale.

RESULTS

The mean total QHES score was 82 (high-quality). Over time, a greater proportion of these studies have demonstrated poorer QHES quality (scores < 75). Lower-scoring studies demonstrated several deficits, including failures in identifying reference perspectives, incorporating comparators and sensitivity analyses, discounting costs and utilities, and disclosing funding.

CONCLUSION

It will be important to monitor the ongoing quality of CEA studies in orthopaedics and ensure standards of reporting and comparability in accordance with Second Panel recommendations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1416-23.

Contingent Valuation Studies in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Health Economic Review

BACKGROUND

A greater emphasis on providing high-value orthopaedic interventions has resulted in increased health economic reporting. The contingent-valuation method (CVM) is used to determine consumer valuation of the benefits provided by healthcare interventions. CVM is an important value-based health economic tool that is underutilized in orthopaedic surgery.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to (1) identify previously published CVM studies in the orthopaedic literature, (2) assess the methodologies used for CVM research, and (3) understand how CVM has been used in the orthopaedic cost-benefit analysis framework.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature using the MEDLINE database was performed to compile CVM studies. Search terms incorporated the phrase willingness to pay (WTP) or willingness to accept (WTA) in combination with orthopaedic clinical key terms. Study methodology was appraised using previously defined empirical and conceptual criteria for CVM studies.

RESULTS

Of the 160 studies retrieved, 22 (13.8%) met our inclusion criteria. The economics of joint arthroplasty (n = 6, 27.3%) and non-operative osteoarthritis care (n = 4, 18.2%) were the most common topics. Most studies used CVM for pricing and/or demand forecasting (n = 16, 72.7%); very few studies used CVM for program evaluation (n = 6). WTP was used in all included studies, and one study used both WTP and WTA. Otherwise, there was little consistency among included studies in terms of CVM methodology. Open-ended questioning was used by only ten studies (45.5%), a significant number of studies did not perform a sensitivity analysis (n = 9, 40.9%), and none of the studies accounted for the risk preference of subjects. Only two of the included studies applied CVM within a cost-benefit analysis framework.

CONCLUSION

CVM is not commonly reported in orthopaedic surgery and is seldom used in the context of cost-benefit analysis. There is wide variability in the methods used to perform CVM. We propose that CVM is an appropriate and underappreciated method for understanding the value of orthopaedic interventions. Increased attention should be paid to consumer valuations for orthopaedic interventions.

A Systematic Summary of Systematic Reviews on the Topic of the Rotator Cuff

BACKGROUND

The number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published on the rotator cuff (RC) has increased markedly.

PURPOSE

To quantify the number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published on the RC and to provide a qualitative summary of the literature.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic search for all systematic reviews and meta-analyses pertaining to the RC published between January 2007 and September 2017 was performed with PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Narrative reviews and non-English language articles were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 1078 articles were found, of which 196 met the inclusion criteria. Included articles were summarized and divided into 15 topics: anatomy and function, histology and genetics, diagnosis, epidemiology, athletes, nonoperative versus operative treatment, surgical repair methods, concomitant conditions and surgical procedures, RC tears after total shoulder arthroplasty, biological augmentation, postoperative rehabilitation, outcomes and complications, patient-reported outcome measures, cost-effectiveness of RC repair, and quality of randomized controlled trials.

CONCLUSION

A qualitative summary of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses published on the RC can provide surgeons with a single source of the most current literature.

Editorial Commentary: Pursuit of Value-Based Care for SLAP Lesions: More Work to Be Done

Type II SLAP tears are considered the most common type of SLAP lesions. However, the management of type II SLAP tears in middle-aged patients is challenging because recent evidence suggests that there is a high prevalence of type II SLAP lesions in the asymptomatic middle-aged shoulder. Treatment options for type II SLAP lesions in middle-aged patients may include biceps tenodesis, SLAP repair, or nonoperative treatment. Value-based research suggests that biceps tenodesis is the preferred cost-effective treatment modality in middle-aged patients. However, the treatment of type II SLAP lesions in younger patients is more nuanced, and isolated type II SLAP lesions in middle-aged patients are a rare, frequently misdiagnosed, and overtreated entity. As such, more work is needed to better understand the health economics of SLAP treatment across different age groups and activity levels.

Cost-Utility Analyses in US Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

While investigations have been performed examining the quality of US-based cost-utility analyses for other orthopaedic subspecialties and have provided important insights, a similar analysis has not been performed examining the foot and ankle literature.

METHODS

A systematic review of foot and ankle studies was conducted to identify cost-utility analyses published between 2000 and 2017. Of 687 studies screened by abstract, 4 cost-utility studies were identified and scored by the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument.

RESULTS

Of these 4 studies, 3 examined end-stage arthritis and 1 examined unstable ankle fractures. Cost-effective interventions identified by these studies included the performance of total ankle arthroplasty over ankle arthrodesis or nonoperative treatment for end-stage arthritis and suture button fixation over syndesmotic screws for unstable supination-external rotation ankle fractures. The mean Quality of Health Economic Studies scores for these studies was 87.5.

CONCLUSION

Despite the increasing focus on value-based care delivery in the United States, there are few foot and ankle cost-utility analyses. Nonetheless, the quality of existing analyses is high. Certain interventions have been identified as cost-effective as highlighted above and the findings of this review can be used to help design future analyses in order to best demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of foot and ankle interventions.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Systematic Review of level III studies.

Outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty: A cost-identification analysis

Background

As demand for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) rises, containing costs will become increasingly important. We hypothesize that performing ambulatory TSA procedures results in significant cost savings.

Methods

A model was created to evaluate cost savings. Hospital stay length and cost, pain control method and cost, and number of annual outpatient TSA procedures were estimated based on literature.

Results

Estimated cost savings per patient were $747 to $15,507 (base case $5594), total annual savings of $4.1M to $349M (base case $82M), and ten-year savings of $51M to $5.4B (base case $1.1B).

Conclusion

Ambulatory TSA procedures result in significant cost savings.

Patellar Tendon Repair Augmentation With a Knotless Suture Anchor Internal Brace: A Biomechanical Cadaveric Study

BACKGROUND

Patellar tendon repair with braided polyethylene suture alone is subject to knot slippage and failure. Several techniques to augment the primary repair have been described. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to evaluate a novel patellar tendon repair technique augmented with a knotless suture anchor internal brace with suture tape (SAIB). The hypothesis was that this technique would be biomechanically superior to a nonaugmented repair and equivalent to a standard augmentation with an 18-gauge steel wire.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Midsubstance patellar tendon tears were created in 32 human cadaveric knees. Two comparison groups were created. Group 1 compared #2 supersuture repair without augmentation to #2 supersuture repair with SAIB augmentation. Group 2 compared #2 supersuture repair with an 18-gauge stainless steel cerclage wire augmentation to #2 supersuture repair with SAIB augmentation. The specimens were potted and biomechanically loaded on a materials testing machine. Yield load, maximum load, mode of failure, plastic displacement, elastic displacement, and total displacement were calculated for each sample. Standard statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant increase in the mean ± SD yield load and maximum load in the SAIB augmentation group compared with supersuture alone (mean yield load: 646 ± 202 N vs 229 ± 60 N; mean maximum load: 868 ± 162 N vs 365 ± 54 N; P < .001). Group 2 showed no statistically significant differences between the augmented repairs (mean yield load: 495 ± 213 N vs 566 ± 172 N; P = .476; mean maximum load: 737 ± 210 N vs 697 ± 130 N; P = .721).

CONCLUSION

Patellar tendon repair augmented with SAIB is biomechanically superior to repair without augmentation and is equivalent to repair with augmentation with an 18-gauge stainless steel cerclage wire.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This novel patellar tendon repair augmentation is equivalent to standard 18-gauge wire augmentation at time zero. It does not require a second surgery for removal, and it is biomechanically superior to primary repair alone.

Factors influencing direct clinical costs of outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery

BACKGROUND

Very limited information exists about factors affecting direct clinical costs of rotator cuff repair surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the direct cost of outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery using a unique value-driven outcomes tool and to identify patient- and treatment-related variables affecting cost.

METHODS

Cost data were derived for arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs performed by 3 surgeons from March 2014 to June 2015 using the value-driven outcomes tool. Costs included overall total direct cost, which included facility utilization costs, medication costs, supply costs, and other ancillary costs. Univariate and multivariate regressions were performed to determine the effect of various patient-related and surgical-related factors on costs.

RESULTS

There were 170 arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs performed during the study period. Multivariate analysis showed significant correlations between higher total direct cost and the presence of a subscapularis repair being performed (P = .015) and total number of anchors used (P < .0001). Higher body mass index, severe systemic illness, 1 of the 3 surgeons, biceps tenodesis using an anchor, and total sum of anchors were correlated with higher facility utilization costs (P < .04). Severe systemic illness, addition of a subscapularis repair, 1 of the 3 surgeons, and additional subacromial decompression were correlated with higher pharmacy costs (P < .006). The addition of a subscapularis repair, total sum of anchors, and severe muscle changes to the supraspinatus were correlated with higher supply costs (P < .015).

CONCLUSIONS

From a direct cost perspective, implementation of strategies to reduce overall costs should focus on reducing overall anchor quantity or price.

Similar cost-utility for double- and single-bundle techniques in ACL reconstruction

PURPOSE

The aim was to estimate the cost-utility of the DB technique (n = 53) compared with the SB (n = 50) technique 2 years after ACL reconstruction.

METHODS

One hundred and five patients with an ACL injury were randomised to either the Double-bundle (DB) or the Single-bundle (SB) technique. One hundred and three patients (SBG n = 50, DBG n = 53) attended the 2-year follow-up examination. The mean age was 27.5 (8.4) years in the SBG and 30.1 (9.1) years in the DBG. The cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was used as the primary outcome. Direct costs were the cost of health care, in this case outpatient procedures. Indirect costs are costs related to reduce work ability for health reasons. The cost-utility analysis was measured in terms of QALY gained.

RESULTS

The groups were comparable in terms of clinical outcome. Operating room time was statistically significantly longer in the DBG (p = 0.001), making the direct costs statistically significantly higher in the DBG (p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in QALYs between groups. In the cost-effectiveness plane, the mean difference in costs and QALYs from the trial data using 1000 bootstrap replicates in order to visualise the uncertainty associated with the mean incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) estimate showed that the ICERs were spread out over all quadrants. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curve showed that there was a 50% probability of the DB being cost-effective at a threshold of Euro 50,000.

CONCLUSION

The principal findings are that the DB is more expensive from a health-care perspective. This suggests that the physician may choose individualised treatment to match the patients' expectations and requirements.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of surgical versus non-surgical management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures

PURPOSE

An Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury that typically affects people in the middle of their working lives. The injury has a negative impact in terms of both morbidity for the individual and the risk of substantial sick leave. The aim of this study was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of surgical compared with non-surgical management in patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture.

METHODS

One hundred patients (86 men, 14 women; mean age, 40 years) with an acute Achilles tendon rupture were randomised (1:1) to either surgical treatment or non-surgical treatment, both with an accelerated rehabilitation protocol (surgical n = 49, non-surgical n = 51). One of the surgical patients was excluded due to a partial re-rupture and five surgical patients were lost to the 1-year economic follow-up. One patient was excluded due to incorrect inclusion and one was lost to the 1-year follow-up in the non-surgical group. The cost was divided into direct and indirect costs. The direct cost is the actual cost of health care, whereas the indirect cost is the production loss related to the impact of the patient's injury in terms of lost ability to work. The health benefits were assessed using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Sampling uncertainty was assessed by means of non-parametric boot-strapping.

RESULTS

Pre-injury, the groups were comparable in terms of demographic data and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The mean cost of surgical management was €7332 compared with €6008 for non-surgical management (p = 0.024). The mean number of QALYs during the 1-year time period was 0.89 and 0.86 in the surgical and non-surgical groups respectively. The (incremental) cost-effectiveness ratio was €45,855. Based on bootstrapping, the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve shows that the surgical treatment is 57% likely to be cost-effective at a threshold value of €50,000 per QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment was more expensive compared with non-surgical management. The cost-effectiveness results give a weak support (57% likelihood) for the surgical treatment to be cost-effective at a willingness to pay per QALY threshold of €50,000. This is support for surgical treatment; however, additionally cost-effectiveness studies alongside RCTs are important to clarify which treatment option is preferred from a cost-effectiveness perspective.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

Economic Decision Model for First-Time Traumatic Patellar Dislocations in Adolescents

BACKGROUND

The surgical management of traumatic patellar dislocations in adolescents is associated with a lower rate of recurrent dislocations compared with nonoperative care. However, the attendant cost of surgery and the quality-of-life benefit of a surgical treatment strategy are unclear.

PURPOSE

To compare the cost-utility of 3 management strategies for acute first-time patellar dislocations in adolescents: (1) nonoperative treatment only, (2) initial nonoperative treatment with surgery only for recurrent dislocations, and (3) immediate surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

A 10-year state-transition Markov model was constructed to compare the cost-utility of the 3 index treatment protocols. Utilities used to define health states were derived from a telephone interview of 60 adolescents with a history of acute patellar dislocations. The probability of transition between each health state was informed by the available literature. Direct costs were estimated using a statewide ambulatory surgery database, and indirect costs were estimated based on parental lost productivity. Effectiveness was expressed in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The principal outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

RESULTS

In the base case for our model, nonoperative treatment only was the least costly ($7300) but also the least effective (5.30 QALYs); initial nonoperative treatment with delayed surgery cost $10,500 for a 5.93 QALY benefit, while immediate surgical treatment cost $17,100 and provided 6.32 QALY benefits. Compared with nonoperative treatment only, initial nonoperative treatment with delayed surgery was associated with an ICER of $5100 per QALY. When immediate surgery was compared with a strategy of delayed surgery, immediate surgery provided incremental benefits at an ICER of $17,000 per QALY. The model was sensitive to the probability of surgical versus nonoperative treatment to achieve a full return to preinjury activity versus an intermediate lower state. When the probability of achieving a full return to preinjury activity with initial nonoperative treatment exceeds 47.5% (compared with 34.2% in the base case), then initial nonoperative treatment with delayed surgery is preferred to immediate surgery. Similarly, when the probability of achieving a full return to full preinjury activity with surgery falls below 51% (compared with 64% in the base case), then delayed surgery after initial nonoperative treatment is preferred.

CONCLUSION

Immediate surgery and delayed surgical treatment are both cost-effective treatment options; however, immediate surgical treatment provides the highest QALY gains within a 10-year time horizon. Our model sensitivity analysis highlights the role of optimizing functional and quality-of-life benefits in the treatment of acute traumatic patellar dislocations. These findings have implications for clinical guidelines and policy decisions relating to adolescent patellar dislocations.

Technology assessment and cost-effectiveness in orthopedics: how to measure outcomes and deliver value in a constantly changing healthcare environment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this study is to review the basic concepts of healthcare value, patient outcome measurement, and cost-effectiveness analyses as they relate to the introduction of new surgical techniques and technologies in the field of orthopedic surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

An increased focus on financial stewardship in healthcare has resulted in a plethora of cost-effectiveness and patient outcome research. Recent research has made great progress in identifying orthopedic technologies that provide exceptional value and those that do not meet adequate standards for widespread adoption. As the pace of technological innovation advances in lockstep with an increased focus on value, orthopedic surgeons will need to have a working knowledge of value-based healthcare decision-making. Value-based healthcare and cost-effectiveness analyses can aid orthopedic surgeons in making ethical and fiscally responsible treatment choices for their patients.

Return to Sport for Skeletally Immature Athletes After ACL Reconstruction: Preventing a Second Injury Using a Quality of Movement Assessment and Quantitative Measures to Address Modifiable Risk Factors

Background:

Reinjury rates after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are highest among young athletes, who consequently suffer from low rates of return to play. Historically, quantitative measures have been used to determine readiness to return to sport; however, they do not assess modifiable risk factors related to the quality of movement.

Purpose:

To determine the effectiveness of a criteria-based rehabilitation progression and return-to-sport criteria on efficient return to activity and prevention of second injury in young athletes post-ACLR.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Between December 2010 and 2013, 42 skeletally immature athletes (mean chronologic age, 12 years; range, 10-15 years) who underwent ACLR using ipsilateral hamstring tendon autograft were prospectively evaluated. All athletes progressed through a criteria-based rehabilitation progression; were assessed at specific time frames for strength, biomechanical, and neuromuscular risk factors predictive of injury; and were provided targeted interventions. The final return to sport phase consisted of quantitative testing as well as a quality of movement assessment of several functional movements with progressive difficulty and sports-specific loading. Clearance for unrestricted activity was determined by achieving satisfactory results on both qualitative and quantitative assessments with consideration for the demands of each sport.

Results:

The mean time for return to unrestricted competitive activity was 12 months. All but 3 (7%) athletes returned to their primary sport. Thirty-five athletes (83%) returned to unrestricted activity. Of the 6 (14%) who sustained a second injury, 3 (50%) were injured in sports they were not cleared for. All ACL reinjuries occurred in a cutting sport. Half of reinjuries occurred within 1 year of surgery, while the remaining occurred between 1 and 2 years. Eighty-three percent of reinjuries involved highly competitive cutting athletes.

Conclusion:

In our cohort, the combination of qualitative and quantitative data served as a good indicator for reducing risk and determining readiness to return to sport.

How Are We Measuring Patient Satisfaction After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common orthopaedic operations in the United States. The long-term impact of ACL reconstruction is controversial, however, as longer term data have failed to demonstrate that ACL reconstruction helps alter the natural history of early onset osteoarthritis that occurs after ACL injury. There is significant interest in evaluating the value of ACL reconstruction surgeries.

PURPOSE

To examine the quality of patient satisfaction reporting after ACL reconstruction surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review of the MEDLINE database was performed using the PubMed interface. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines as well as the PRISMA checklist were employed. The initial search yielded 267 studies. The inclusion criteria were: English language, US patient population, clinical outcome study of ACL reconstruction surgery, and reporting of patient satisfaction included in the study. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies comprised a total of 1984 patients with a mean age of 31.9 years at the time of surgery and a mean follow-up period of 59.3 months. The majority of studies were evidence level 4 (n = 18; 81.8%), had a mean Newcastle-Ottawa scale score of 5.5, and were published before 2006 (n = 17; 77.3%); 5 studies (22.7%) failed to clearly describe their method for determining patient satisfaction. The most commonly used method for assessing satisfaction was a 0 to 10 satisfaction scale (n = 11; 50.0%). Among studies using a 0 to 10 scale, mean satisfaction ranged from 7.4 to 10.0. Patient-reported outcome and objective functional measures for ACL stability and knee function were positively correlated with patient satisfaction. Degenerative knee change was negatively correlated with satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

The level of evidence for studies reporting patient satisfaction is low, and the methodologies for reporting patient satisfaction are variable. Additionally, within the past decade there has been a significant decline in the inclusion of this outcome measure within published ACL studies. As sports surgeons are increasingly called on to demonstrate the value of operative procedures, attention should be paid to understanding and reporting patient satisfaction.

Direct Cost Analysis of Outpatient Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Medicare and Non-Medicare Populations

Background:

Providing high-quality care while also containing cost is a paramount goal in orthopaedic surgery. Increasingly, insurance providers in the United States, including government payers, are requiring financial and performance accountability for episodes of care, including a push toward bundled payments.

Hypothesis:

The direct cost of outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was assessed to determine whether, due to an older population, rotator cuff surgery was more costly in Medicare-insured patients than in patients covered by other insurers. We hypothesized that operative time, implant cost, and overall higher cost would be observed in Medicare patients.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Billing and operative reports from 184 outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs performed by 5 fellowship-trained arthroscopic surgeons were reviewed. Operative time, number and cost of implants, hospital reimbursement, surgeon reimbursement, and insurance type were determined from billing records and operative reports. Patients were stratified by payer (Medicare vs non-Medicare), and these variables were compared.

Results:

There were no statistically significant differences in the number of suture anchors used, implant cost, surgical duration, or overall cost of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between Medicare and other insurers. Reimbursement was significantly higher for other payers when compared with Medicare, resulting in a mean per case deficit of $263.54 between billing and reimbursement for Medicare patients.

Conclusion:

Operating room time, implant cost, and total procedural cost was the same for Medicare patients as for patients with private payers. Further research needs to be conducted to understand the patient-specific factors that affect the cost of an episode of care for rotator cuff surgery.

Rating a Sports Medicine Surgeon's "Quality" in the Modern Era: an Analysis of Popular Physician Online Rating Websites

BACKGROUND

Consumer-driven healthcare and an increasing emphasis on quality metrics have encouraged patient engagement in the rating of healthcare. As such, online physician rating websites have become mainstream and may play a potential role in future healthcare policy.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate online patient ratings for US sports medicine surgeons, determine predictors of positive ratings and analyze for inter-website scoring correlation.

METHODS

The American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) member directory was sampled. Surgeon demographic and rating data were searched on three online physicians rating websites: HealthGrades.com (HG), RateMDs.com (RM) and Vitals.com (V). Written rating comments were categorized as relating to the following: surgeon competence, surgeon affability and process of care. Bivariate linear regression, Pearson correlation and multivariable analyses were used to determine factors associated with positive ratings.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-five sports medicine surgeons were included. Two hundred seventy-one (99%) had ratings on at least one of the three websites. Sports surgeons were rated highly across all three websites (mean >4.0/5); however, there was only a low to moderate degree of correlation among websites. On HG, female surgeons and surgeons in academia were more likely to receive higher overall ratings. Across all three websites, increased number of years in practice inversely correlated with ratings; this relationship neared significance for HG and was significant for RM. A surgeon's online presence or geographic location was not associated with higher ratings. In multivariable regression analysis for ratings on HG, female sex was the only significant predictor of higher ratings. Two thousand three hundred forty-one written comments were analyzed: perceived surgeon competence and communication influenced the direction of ratings for the top and bottom tier surgeons.

CONCLUSION

There was a low degree of correlation among online websites for surgeon ratings. Female surgeons and those with fewer years in practice appear to have higher ratings on these websites; comment content analysis suggests that high and low ratings are influenced by perceived surgeon competence and affability.

Patient Satisfaction Reporting for the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how patient satisfaction after surgical femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) treatment is measured and reported in the current evidence base.

METHODS

A review of the MEDLINE database was performed. Clinical outcome studies of FAI that reported a measure of patient satisfaction were included. Patient demographics, clinical outcome scores, and patient satisfaction measures were extracted. The NewCastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to grade quality. Statistical analysis was primarily descriptive.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies met inclusion criteria; the mean NOS score among included studies was 5.7. Most studies were level 3 or 4 (n = 25, 96.1%). A 0 to 10 numeric scale, described by some studies as a visual analog scale, was the most commonly used method to assess satisfaction (n = 21; 80.8%), and mean reported scores ranged from 6.8 to 9.2 out of 10. Four studies (15.4%) used an ordinal scale, and 1 study (3.8%) used willingness to undergo surgery again as the measure of satisfaction. None of the included studies assessed preoperative satisfaction or patient expectation. Pooled cohort analysis was limited by significant overlapping study populations. Predictors of patients' satisfaction identified in included studies were presence of arthritis and postoperative outcome scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient satisfaction was not uniformly assessed in the literature. Most studies used a 0- to 10-point satisfaction scale, but none distinguished between the process of care and the outcome of care. Although satisfaction scores were generally high, the quality of the methodologies in the studies that reported satisfaction was low, and the studies likely included overlapping patient populations. More work needs to be done to develop standardized ways for assessing patient satisfaction after arthroscopic hip surgery and other procedures in orthopaedic sports medicine.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, systematic review of Level III studies.

The Economic Impact of Acetabular Labral Tears: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis Comparing Hip Arthroscopic Surgery and Structured Rehabilitation Alone in Patients Without Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopic surgery has emerged as a successful procedure to manage acetabular labral tears and concurrent hip injuries, which if left untreated, may contribute to hip osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, it is essential to analyze the economic impact of this treatment option.

PURPOSE

To investigate the cost-effectiveness of hip arthroscopic surgery versus structured rehabilitation alone for acetabular labral tears, to examine the effects of age on cost-effectiveness, and to estimate the rate of symptomatic OA and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in both treatment arms over a lifetime horizon.

STUDY DESIGN

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

A cost-effectiveness analysis of hip arthroscopic surgery compared with structured rehabilitation for symptomatic labral tears was performed using a Markov decision model constructed over a lifetime horizon. It was assumed that patients did not have OA. Direct costs (in 2014 United States dollars), utilities of health states (in quality-adjusted life years [QALYs] gained), and probabilities of transitioning between health states were estimated from a comprehensive literature review. Costs were estimated using national averages of Medicare reimbursements, adjusted for all payers in the United States from a societal perspective. Utilities were estimated from the Harris Hip Score. Cost-effectiveness was assessed using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to determine the effect of uncertainty on the model outcomes.

RESULTS

For a cohort representative of patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery at our facility, arthroscopic surgery was more costly (additional $2653) but generated more utility (additional 3.94 QALYs) compared with rehabilitation over a lifetime. The mean ICER was $754/QALY, well below the conventional willingness to pay of $50,000/QALY. Arthroscopic surgery was cost-effective for 94.5% of patients. Although arthroscopic surgery decreased in cost-effectiveness with increasing age, arthroscopic surgery remained more cost-effective than rehabilitation for patients in the second to seventh decades of life. The lifetime incidence of symptomatic hip OA was over twice as high for patients treated with rehabilitation compared with arthroscopic surgery. The preferred treatment was sensitive to the utility after successful hip arthroscopic surgery, although the utility at which arthroscopic surgery becomes less cost-effective than rehabilitation is far below our best estimate. For older patients, the lifetime cost of arthroscopic surgery was greater, while the lifetime utility of arthroscopic surgery was less, approaching that of the rehabilitation arm.

CONCLUSION

Hip arthroscopic surgery is more cost-effective and results in a considerably lower incidence of symptomatic OA than structured rehabilitation alone in treating symptomatic labral tears of patients in the second to seventh decades of life without pre-existing OA.

Economic Analyses in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Qualitative and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

As the health care system in the United States (US) transitions toward value-based care, there is an increased emphasis on understanding the cost drivers and high-value procedures within orthopaedics. To date, there has been no systematic review of the economic literature on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

PURPOSE

To evaluate the overall evidence base for economic studies published on ACLR in the orthopaedic literature. Data available on the economics of ACLR are summarized and cost drivers associated with the procedure are identified.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

All economic studies (including US-based and non-US-based) published between inception of the MEDLINE database and October 3, 2014, were identified. Given the heterogeneity of the existing evidence base, a qualitative, descriptive approach was used to assess the collective results from the economic studies on ACLR. When applicable, comparisons were made for the following cost-related variables associated with the procedure for economic implications: outpatient versus inpatient surgery (or outpatient vs overnight hospital stay vs >1-night stay); bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft versus hamstring (HS) graft source; autograft versus allograft source; staged unilateral ACLR versus bilateral ACLR in a single setting; single- versus double-bundle technique; ACLR versus nonoperative treatment; and other unique comparisons reported in single studies, including computer-assisted navigation surgery (CANS) versus traditional surgery, early versus delayed ACLR, single- versus double-incision technique, and finally the costs of ACLR without comparison of variables.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies were identified and included; of these, 17 included studies were cost identification studies. The remaining 7 studies were cost utility analyses that used economic models to investigate the effect of variables such as the cost of allograft tissue, fixation devices, and physical therapy, the percentage and timing of revision surgery, and the cost of revision surgery. Of the 24 studies, there were 3 studies with level 1 evidence, 8 with level 2 evidence, 6 with level 3 evidence, and 7 with level 4 evidence. The following economic comparisons were demonstrated: (1) ACLR is more cost-effective than nonoperative treatment with rehabilitation only (per 3 cost utility analyses); (2) autograft use had lower total costs than allograft use, with operating room supply costs and allograft costs most significant (per 5 cost identification studies and 1 cost utility analysis); (3) results on hamstring versus BPTB graft source are conflicting (per 2 cost identification studies); (4) there is significant cost reduction with an outpatient versus inpatient setting (per 5 studies using cost identification analyses); (5) bilateral ACLR is more cost efficient than 2 unilateral ACLRs in separate settings (per 2 cost identification studies); (6) there are lower costs with similarly successful outcomes between single- and double-bundle technique (per 3 cost identification studies and 2 cost utility analyses).

CONCLUSION

Results from this review suggest that early single-bundle, single (endoscopic)-incision outpatient ACLR using either BPTB or HS autograft provides the most value. In the setting of bilateral ACL rupture, single-setting bilateral ACLR is more cost-effective than staged unilateral ACLR. Procedures using CANS technology do not yet yield results that are superior to the results of a standard surgical procedure, and CANS has substantially greater costs.

Surgical versus conservative management of acute patellar dislocation in children and adolescents: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to perform a comparative review to determine whether there is a significant difference in the rate of repeat dislocation and clinical outcome between surgical and conservative management of acute patellar dislocation in children and adolescents.

METHODS

A systematic review of the MEDLINE database was performed. English-language clinical outcome studies with a primary outcome/treatment specific to acute patella dislocation in a paediatric population were included. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria; Chi-square analysis, independent t tests and weighted mean pooled cohort statistics were performed where appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 470 conservatively managed and 157 operatively treated knees were included. Conservatively managed patients were on average 17.0 years and had a mean follow-up of 3.9 years; surgically managed patients were on average 16.1 years and had a mean follow-up of 4.7 years. Conservatively managed knees had a 31% rate of recurrent dislocation rate compared to 22% in surgical knees (p = 0.04). Trochlear dysplasia and skeletal immaturity confer greater risk for recurrent instability. Surgical treatment may provide clinically important quality of life and sporting benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment of first time patella dislocation in children and adolescents is associated with a lower risk of recurrent dislocation and higher health-related quality of life and sporting function. There is a paucity of evidence on MPFL reconstruction for first time traumatic patella dislocation in this population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Guidelines for reporting health economic research

Health economic evaluations potentially provide valuable information to clinicians, health care administrators, and policy makers regarding the financial implications of decisions about the care of patients. The highest quality research should be used to inform decisions that have direct impact on the access to care and the outcome of treatment. However, economic analyses are often complex and use research methods which are relatively unfamiliar to clinicians. Furthermore, health economic data have substantial national, regional, and institutional variability, which can limit the external validity of the results of a study. Therefore, minimum guidelines that aim to standardise the quality and transparency of reporting health economic research have been developed, and instruments are available to assist in the assessment of its quality and the interpretation of results.

The purpose of this editorial is to discuss the principal types of health economic studies, to review the most common instruments for judging the quality of these studies and to describe current reporting guidelines. Recommendations for the submission of these types of studies to The Bone & Joint Journal are provided.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:147–51.

What Are the Strength of Recommendations and Methodologic Reporting in Health Economic Studies in Orthopaedic Surgery?

BACKGROUND

Cost-effectiveness research is an increasingly used tool in evaluating treatments in orthopaedic surgery. Without high-quality primary-source data, the results of a cost-effectiveness study are either unreliable or heavily dependent on sensitivity analyses of the findings from the source studies. However, to our knowledge, the strength of recommendations provided by these studies in orthopaedics has not been studied.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked: (1) What are the strengths of recommendations in recent orthopaedic cost-effectiveness studies? (2) What are the reasons authors cite for weak recommendations? (3) What are the methodologic reporting practices used by these studies?

METHODS

The titles of all articles published in six different orthopaedic journals from January 1, 2004, through April 1, 2014, were scanned for original health economics studies comparing two different types of treatment or intervention. The full texts of included studies were reviewed to determine the strength of recommendations determined subjectively by our study team, with studies providing equivocal conclusions stemming from a lack or uncertainty surrounding key primary data classified as weak and those with definitive conclusions not lacking in high-quality primary data classified as strong. The reasons underlying a weak designation were noted, and methodologic practices reported in each of the studies were examined using a validated instrument. A total of 79 articles met our prespecified inclusion criteria and were evaluated in depth.

RESULTS

Of the articles included, 50 (63%) provided strong recommendations, whereas 29 (37%) provided weak recommendations. Of the 29 studies, clinical outcomes data were cited in 26 references as being insufficient to provide definitive conclusions, whereas cost and utility data were cited in 13 and seven articles, respectively. Methodologic reporting practices varied greatly, with mixed adherence to framing, costs, and results reporting. The framing variables included clearly defined intervention, adequate description of a comparator, study perspective clearly stated, and reported discount rate for future costs and quality-adjusted life years. Reporting costs variables included economic data collected alongside a clinical trial or another primary source and clear statement of the year of monetary units. Finally, results reporting included whether a sensitivity analysis was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Given that a considerable portion of orthopaedic cost-effectiveness studies provide weak recommendations and that methodologic reporting practices varied greatly among strong and weak studies, we believe that clinicians should exercise great caution when considering the conclusions of cost-effectiveness studies. Future research could assess the effect of such cost-effectiveness studies in clinical practice, and whether the strength of recommendations of a study's conclusions has any effect on practice patterns.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Given the increasing use of cost-effectiveness studies in orthopaedic surgery, understanding the quality of these studies and the reasons that limit the ability of studies to provide more definitive recommendations is critical. Highlighting the heterogeneity of methodologic reporting practices will aid clinicians in interpreting the conclusions of cost-effectiveness studies and improve future research efforts.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation: Let's Get It Right

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and functionally disabling conditions in orthopaedics and sports medicine. As professionals, we need to do a better job of screening individuals to determine who is at greatest risk of sustaining an ACL injury, as well as implementing injury prevention programs. We also need to do a better job with programs that return individuals to their preinjury activity levels, including implementing thorough functional testing to determine if a patient is ready to return to sports or strenuous activities post-ACLR.