The Economic Impact of Periprosthetic Infections After Total Hip Arthroplasty at a Specialized Tertiary-Care Center

Abstract

Background: Periprosthetic infections after total hip arthroplasty represent an increased risk for patient morbidity and mortality, and an increased economic burden. The purpose of this study was to compare a group of patients who had periprosthetic infections after total hip arthroplasty to a matched group of patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty in terms of the associated costs, length of hospitalization, and number of readmissions (within 1 year).

Methods: Between 2007 and 2011, 16 consecutive infected patients were matched to 32 noninfected patients (1:2 ratio).

Results: The mean episode cost, length of hospitalization, and median readmissions was significantly higher in the infected group when compared to the matched cohort: $88,623 vs $25,659, 7.6 vs 3.29 days, and 2 vs 0, respectively.

Conclusion: Periprosthetic infections after THA resulted in an increased episode cost by approximately 3-fold, mean hospitalization period 2-fold, and led to a higher median number of readmissions.

Keywords: THA; cost-analysis; cost-effectiveness; periprosthetic infection; total hip arthroplasty.