Economic Impact of Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background. An enormous economic impact can be observed for infected total knee arthroplasties (TKA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether a cost covering treatment of infected TKA is feasible in the German DRG System. Patients and Methods. Average total treatment costs were evaluated for infected TKA and compared with a matched pair of primary TKA. Data was generated using the health record and the hospitals' health information system. Results were evaluated and compared regarding the total personnel and material costs with respect to the financial receipts. Results. A total of 28 patients diagnosed with an infected TKA were included. A significant increase in the average length of stay, use of medical supplies and third party medical examinations were found for the infected TKA. An average deficiency of 6,356€ per patient was observed for the infected TKA. An average profit of 927€ per patient was made performing primary TKA. Conclusions. A cost-effective treatment of infected TKA was not feasible with the receipts from the German DRG System. An adaption of the receipts has to be evaluated. Moreover, other measures have to be considered in order to achieve a comprehensive medical yet financial reasonable standard in the treatment of infected TKA and THA

Eine retrospektive Studie

Diese Arbeit ermittelt die reellen Kosten der chirurgischen Behandlung von Patienten mit Diagnose Hüft- und Knieprotheseninfektion gegenüber einer gepaarten Kontrollgruppe an der orthopädischen Klinik der Universität Rostock. Es wurde berechnet, ob die ermittelten Kosten sich durch die erhaltenen Erstattungen durch das DRG-System decken lassen. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass unter den aktuellen Bedingungen ein kostendeckendes Arbeiten nicht möglich ist. Zwar können durch die Primärendoprothetik Gewinne erzielt werden, diese sind aber zu niedrig, um die finanziellen Verluste aufzufangen