Allografts in reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament: a health economics perspective

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2019 Jun;27(6):1810-1816. doi: 10.1007/s00167-019-05477-4. Epub 2019 Mar 22.

Abstract

Purpose: To review the relative cost-effectiveness of allografts and autografts in reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament.

Methods: Systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Results: The available evidence does not show any significant difference in clinical effectiveness between autografts and allografts. Given that, only a cost analysis is provided, which shows that allografts are more costly.

Conclusion: Given the lack of any benefit of allografts over autografts, autografts should be preferred on cost grounds, if available. However, there may be situations where an allograft is indicated, for example, in multiple ligament reconstructions.

Level of evidence: IV.

Keywords: Clinical effectiveness; Cost analysis; Posterior cruciate ligament; Reconstruction.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Allografts / economics*
  • Autografts / economics
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Lysholm Knee Score
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament / injuries
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery*
  • Quality of Life

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