Table 3.
Cost estimation of closed reduction with percutaneous pinning versus open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking plates to treat distal radius fractures
| Costs | Group; mean ± SD* | p value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRPP | VLP | ||
| OR | 0.029 | ||
| Time, min. | 86.5 ± 7.8 | 113.9 ± 39.5 | |
| Cost, $121/h | $174.44 | $229.70 | |
| Clinical | < 0.001 | ||
| No. visits | 7.8 ± 1.3 | 5.2 ± 1.4 | |
| Nursing costs, $9/first visit and $5/subsequent visits | $43 | $30 | |
| Radiographs | 0.031 | ||
| No. films ordered | 9 ± 2.4 | 7.4 ± 2.68 | |
| Cost, $28.05/film | $252.45 | $207.57 | |
| Implants | |||
| No. used per case | 4 k-wires | 5 hole VLP + screws (5 locking screws + 1 cortical screw) | |
| Cost | $40 | $750 | |
| Surgeon costs | $224.02 | $420 | |
| Total cost of treatment/case | $733.91 | $1637.27 | < 0.001 |
CRPP = closed reduction and percutaneous; OR = operating room; SD = standard deviation; VLP = volar locking plates.
*
Unless otherwise indicated.