Costs related to hip disease in patients eligible for total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

This study was designed to estimate direct and indirect costs incurred by hip disease in patients eligible for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Before THA, 2635 patients completed a questionnaire regarding the use of resources because of their hip disease. Costs were assigned using official statistical sources or market prices. Annual costs amounted to US$ 7666 per patient. In a regression analysis, higher annual costs were associated with working age, female gender, comorbidity, and operation waiting time more than 90 days (P < .005). The burden of disease for THA candidates is extensive, where loss of productivity is the principal cost. Long wait for surgery is associated with increased costs. This study provides baseline cost data, which will be useful for further health economic analyses and could provide guidance for health care decision makers.