Cost evaluation of wrist fractures

Citation
B. Chamberlin et al., Cost evaluation of wrist fractures, REV CHIR OR, 85(8), 1999, pp. 828-833
Citations number
5
Categorie Soggetti
Ortopedics, Rehabilitation & Sport Medicine
Journal title
REVUE DE CHIRURGIE ORTHOPEDIQUE ET REPARATRICE DE L APPAREIL MOTEUR
ISSN journal
00351040 → ACNP
Volume
85
Issue
8
Year of publication
1999
Pages
828 - 833
Database
ISI
SICI code
0035-1040(199912)85:8<828:CEOWF>2.0.ZU;2-Q
Abstract
Purpose of the study The cost effectiveness of wrist fractures in 1996 at Pitie-Salpetriere Hosp ital in Paris has been thoroughly analysed. The purpose of this retrospecti ve study was to identify the factors responsable for the variation in the t reatement cost of those fractures. Material and methods Cost, hospital stay, functional status, ASA score and surgical treatment we re analysed in 53 patients with a median age of 57 years. Results The mean cost per patient was 6 120 FF divided as follows: 26,1 % for pre-o perative care, 36,4 % for surgical procedures, 37,5 % for post-operative ca re. The mean hospital stay was 4,3 days. The cost of hospital personel (43 %) and medical investigations (35 %) were the two main sources of hospital expenses beside medical materials (12,5 %), hostelry (5,5 %), and drugs (4 %). Discussion The duration of hospital stay, the age and the type of the fracture were th e only factors that affected statistically the mean cost per patient. Furth ermore, factors related to the patient as sex, place of residence prior to admission, functionnal status, ASA score, had no influence on cost variatio n. Conclusion Therefore, the best way to reduce the cost of wrist fractures management is to minimize the hospital stay before and after surgical procedure to avoid a lengthy and costly hospital stay and to minimize the abuse ut utilisatio n of systematic medical investigations.