The anterior approach for primary total hip arthroplasty lowered 90-day healthcare costs by $6,206 per patient, according to a study in ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research.
The study authors developed an economic model in which patients receiving THA via the anterior approach were compared to a matched cohort of primary THA cases identified from Medicare claims. Costs were derived from Medicare claims and were adjusted to account for nationwide payer mix.
Healthcare costs over 90-days postoperatively were $17,763 for anterior approach patients and $23,969 with the control, a $6,206 difference per patient.
The cost savings with the anterior approach were mostly attributable to:
- Lower per-patient costs of the index hospitalization: $13,578 for anterior approach versus $16,017 for control
- Post-acute care costs: $3,123 versus $6,037
- Hospital readmissions: $700 versus $1,584