A study published in Arthroplasty Today compared customized total knee replacement implants to off-the-shelf TKR implants.
The study analyzed adverse events rates and cost of care for total knee arthroplasty.
ConforMIS financially supported the study, which involved 248 TKA patients treated at one facility by the same surgeon. The surgeon treated patients with a customized knee implant, designed for a unique anatomy, or an off-the-shelf implant, chosen from a pre-manufactured size.
Here are six observations:
1. Researchers found a smaller percentage of customized implant TKA patients had adverse events at discharge and 90 days after discharge, compared to off-the-shelf implant TKA patients.
2. Compared to off-the-shelf implant TKA patients, a greater percentage of customized implant TKA patients were discharged in less than three days.
3. A smaller percentage of customized implant TKA patients went into a rehabilitation center or post-acute care facility following discharge, compared to off-the-shelf implant TKA patients.
4. Of the patients, fewer of those treated with customized implants received a blood transfusion.
5. The study revealed the total average real hospital costs to be similar between the two groups, implying customized implants improve outcomes at no additional cost.
6. The risk-adjusted per patient total cost of care revealed a net savings of $913.87 for each patient in the customized implant group for bundle of care.